PAN Xiangrong, LIU Yiling, YUAN Weimin, MU Yong, BAI Yu, WU Xiaoyuan, YANG Wenwen
Objective To explore the detection rate of pulmonary nodules and influencing factors in military aircrews. Methods A total of 2 283 military aircrews who were recuperating in Qingdao Navy Special Service Recuperation Center in 2022 were selected as subjects. Low-dose spiral computed tomography(LDCT)of the chests was performed on all the subjects, and 225 cases of pulmonary nodules were detected, all of which were benign ones. These subjects were divided into the pulmonary nodule group(n=225)and non-pulmonary nodule group(n=2 058). Data on their gender, age, height, weight, aircraft type, cumulative flight time, personnel type, education level, birthplace, family history of cancer, long-term smoking history, long-term drinking history, novel coronavirus(COVID-19 for short)infection history, white blood cell count(WBC), platelet count(PLT), long-term exercise, eating habits, sleep quality, stress, work or life satisfaction was collected. χ2 test or t-test analysis was used to find out about the difference between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors for pulmonary nodules in military aircrews. Results A total of 225 cases of pulmonary nodules were detected in 2 283 military aircrews, with a detection rate of 9.86%. There were 162 cases of single pulmonary nodules and 63 cases of multiple ones. Three hundred and twenty-six pulmonary nodules were detected. Among them 61 were in the upper-left lobe, 66 in the upper-right lobe, 32 in the middle right lobe, 89 in the lower left lobe, and 78 in the lower right lobe. Pulmonary nodule size: 233 nodules with a diameter less than 5 millimeters, 91 nodules with a diameter between 5 and 10 millimeters, and 2 nodules with a diameter greater than 10 to 19 millimeters. As for density, 259 were solid nodules, 26 partially solid nodules, and 41 non-solid nodules(ground glass nodules). The results of single factor analysis showed that the odds of pulmonary nodules in military aircrews were related to age(t=8.882, P<0.001), cumulative flight time(χ2=9.511, P=0.023), long-term smoking history(χ2=15.595, P<0.001), long-term exercise(χ2=10.053, P=0.002)and diet habits(χ2=6.777, P=0.009). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the type of aircraft and personnel, age, long-term smoking history and heavy flavored diet(salty, spicy, greasy)were independent risk factors for pulmonary nodules in military aircrews(OR=1.275, 5.237, 1.568, 95%CI: 1.104~2.689, 1.873~8.635, 1.123~3.356, all P<0.001), while long-term exercise was an independent protective factor against pulmonary nodules(OR=0.572, 95%CI: 0.568~0.902, P<0.001). Conclusion The detection rate of pulmonary nodules in military aircrews is lower than in general populations, and its occurrence is related to various factors, among which age, long-term smoking history, heavy taste diet(salty, spicy, greasy)are independent risk factors while long-term exercise is an independent protective factor.