Analysis of Body Mass Index and Related Affecting Factors Among Civil Pilots in Eastern China

Objective To understand body mass index (BMI) and related affecting factors of civil pilots in eastern China,and to provide evidence for further intervention and civil pilots' health improvement.

Methods A total of 4 023 civil pilots meeting the inclusion requirements were selected to conduct questionnaire surveys and physical examinations.BMI and affecting factors were analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation and multivariate linear regression model.

Results For the 4 023 respondents,the average BMI was (23.96±2.58) kg/m²,the overweight rate was 43.3%,and the obesity rate was 6.2%.According to one-way analysis of variance,there were differences in BMI among the civil pilots grouped by different companies,areas,marital status,and ages;lower BMI was found in the single(23.14±2.55) kg/m²than the married(24.21±2.54) kg/m²and the divorced or widowed(24.25±2.56) kg/m²;BMI increased with the age,with lowest value for the <30 years age group(23.49±2.63) kg/m²and highest for the >50 years age group(25.30±2.33) kg/m².According to multivariate linear regression analysis,low fat diet and low salt diet were negatively correlated with BMI,with b (95% CI) of -0.226(-0.396,-0.055) and -0.181(-0.331,-0.032) respectively (both Ps<0.01).Age,monthly flight time,smoking,and having breakfast had positive correlations with BMI,with b (95% CI) of 0.594(0.497,0.690),0.256(0.163,0.350),0.363(0.196,0.531),and 0.355(0.164,0.547),respectively (all Ps<0.05).

Conclusion High BMI is identified in the civil pilots in eastern China and correlated with their working and living behavior related factors.Effective health interventions,therefore,are required to change their unhealthy lifestyles and improve their health.