Multivitamin Compliance Reduces Injuries of Female Recruits at Air Force Basic Training: A Randomized Controlled Cohort Study
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Basic military training (BMT) for U.S. Air Force and Space Force recruits is critical, but musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) can threaten success. Trainees with nutritional deficiencies are at higher risk, so efforts to mitigate issues include providing multivitamins (MVI) to female recruits. However, compliance has been low, questioning the effectiveness of this intervention. This study evaluated the impact of different educational approaches on compliance and injury rates.
Materials and Methods: This study involved a randomized controlled cohort of female trainees at BMT. Trainees were randomly educated in one of two ways about the provided MVI—either through a standard educational video or through the video plus in-person briefing by subject matter experts. Trainees then completed a questionnaire and injury data was analyzed.
Results: The in-person briefing group reported higher compliance and showed significantly lower rates of MSKI and bone stress injuries—43% and 66% relative risk reductions, respectively—compared to the video-only group.
Conclusions: In-person education on MVI for female trainees resulted in greater compliance and reduced injuries compared to the video-only approach. Such educational methods should be considered for continued use in military population health measures. The efficacy of MVIs for injury risk reduction in female trainees warrants further study.
