Current status of the life quality of submariners and its influential factors

Objective To explore the current status of the life quality of submariners and its influential factors. Methods One hundred and twenty-two submariners were evaluated by using life quality investigation form-36 (SF-36), perceived stress scale (PSS-10), Eysenck's personality questionnaire (EPQ), life event scale (LES) and trait coping style questionnaire. At the same time, venous blood samples were collected for the detection of several biochemical, endocrinic and immuno indicators. Results The scores of Physical Component Summary(PCS), Mental component Summary (MCS) and SF-36 were all negatively correlated with those of PSS, neuroticism (N), lie (L), negative coping style (NC), negative life events, total life event (LE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Total scores of MCS and SF-36 were significantly correlated with those of TC, IL-2, IL-4, NE and COR (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that PCS was affected considerably by age and neuroticism. The factors affecting MCS were in sequence: profession, neuroticism, TC and BUN and the factor affecting the total score of SF-36 was NC. Conclusions The life quality of submariners could be affected considerably by age, length of military service, profession, PSS, coping style and life events, and psychological intervention was imperative in the activities of health management. Key words: Submariner; Life quality; Perceived stress; Health management; Biochemistry