Distribution Rate of Causes of Medical Exemption from Compulsory Service among Shahrekord Conscripts 2001

Aims. In I.R.IRAN, all men aged 18 years old must enlist for the national military service. Upon enlistment, conscripts undergo medical examinations to establish their level of fitness those who are not medically fit for service are exempted. Exemption is granted on a permanent or temporary basis, depending on the conscript’s physical, familial and educational status. The aim of this study was to determine the diseases that merit exemption. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 563 military conscripts from Shahrekord in 2001. The conscripts completed a health questionnaire and underwent a thorough medical examination. Results. Eye and musculoskeletal and neuropsychiatric diseases have the highest rates of exemption (37.8%, 16%, 14%). Myopia (55.4%), fracture (40.1%) and epilepsy (25.4%) were the most prevalent complaints of eye disease, musculoskeletal disorders and neuropsychiatric diseases, respectively. Conclusion. Health screening of conscripts upon enlistment is recommended.