Research Potential of a Heart Rate Variability Diagnostic System for the Study of Stress and Health Risk in Peacekeeping Operations

Abstract

Medical surveillance and medical screening for military personnel participating in Peacekeeping Missions

Stress Factors and Positive Aspects of Deployment to International Military Operation

“…According to results, respondents find the most difficult to deal with unfamiliar/strange cultural surrounding (M=3.06), unfamiliar climate (M=2.90) and possibility of hazardous illness (M=2.89). These findings are consistent with earlier studies [8,12] that identified new/different culture and climate as possible source of stress for peacekeeping soldier. Also, respondents indicated that insufficient knowledge of foreign language was stressful during deployment (M=2.85); soldiers had troubleshooting to communicate with foreign military troops and local personnel.…”

“…Figure 1 also shows that respondents identified unfamiliar food (M=2.84), concerns about family welfare (M=2.81), separation from family (M=2.78) and exposure to civilian suffering (M=2.51) as stress factors with medium intensity. Findings are consistent with earlier studies [6,8,10,11]. Table 2 shows list of positive and negative feelings that are possible to encounter during deployment.…”

“…Peacekeeping operation puts even greater demands on soldiers and they are faced with new psychological challenges. Environmental conditions, every day tasks together with rules of engagement puts a challenge in front of a peacekeeping soldier [6][7][8]. Because of principles of neutrality and impartiality the rules of engagement are very specific and tent to limit the actions that can be taken [7].…”