Military personnel feet health support: problems and decision

Dermatological disorders of foot are provoked by external factors of military surrounding such as high physical and psych emotional load, and intrinsic factors (individual) such as anthropometric parameters. The aim of the study was to assess of individual habits and skill of support foot hygiene for participants of Combat training course. The study group (n=37) included military personnel- cadets of National Defence Academy in aged from 21 till 30 years, who participated in Combat training course (CTC)-2020, that is compulsory part of study program. The survey included anthropometric measurements and an anamnesis of respondents about the pre-existing foot diseases as well survey the knowledge about the foot’s skin healthcare. The study group included military personnel of both gender, 86% of which were males and 14% females. The main anthropometric measurements were obtained, weight (51 - 103 kg), height (164 - 190 cm) and the status of the existing foot disease. The slight predominance of the respondents 54.0% didn’t have any problem with feet health during lifetime, but those in a minority – 45.9% mentioned that the most common problems were - flat feet 18.9%, ingrown toenails 10.8%, callus 10.8% and hyperhidrosis 5.4%. The number of respondents that had infectious foot issues was 18.9%, where the most common feet infections were fungi 16.2% and viral warts 2.7%. Despite the fact that the 45.9% of respondents had issues with feet during lifetime, only 21.6% visited any specialist (general practitioner, surgeon, and dermatologist). The military personnel with active feet health disorder and greater weight are in a risk group of developing more severe skin damage during and after CTC. The consultation of dermatologist before the CTC was provided to help cadets to improve the feet health during CTC, and to decrease the feet skin disorders and inability to continue military service.