Reasons for medical consultation among members of the Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica

• Published in: International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Main Authors: Abhijeet Bhatia, Pradip Malhotra, Ashok Kumar Agarwal
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2013
• Subjects: Maitri; India; Polar health; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic; Antarctic; Indian; Antarc*; Antarctica; Circumpolar Health; International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v72i0.20175; https://doaj.org/article/88b5ecf81e8f4a0c82928206c8b3a5d7

The article attempts to analyze the disease burden in a healthy, pre-screened population subjected to prolonged residence in the hostile environment of Antarctica. This retrospective epidemiological study was conducted utilizing data from medical consultation room on board the Indian Antarctic expedition vessels and at Indian Antarctic station, Maitri from seven Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica (ISEA). The study group (n=327) consisted of 325 men and two women. The total number of medical room consultations was 1989. Maximum consultations were for injuries (27.25%); 14.68% were musculoskeletal and 10.31% were bruises and lacerations. Disturbances of gastrointestinal tract (19.66%) were the second most common disorders. Psychological disturbances accounted for 2.66% consultations. Cold injuries constituted 2.01% consultations and photophthalmia accounted for 1.06% consultations.