Medical, social and psychological characteristics of conscription-age residents of the Orenburg region of Russia

Relevance. With the army and navy forces understaffed with physically strong and healthy young recruits, the problem is currently being considered at the state level; the lack of military reserve forces is a major problem for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.The objective is to assess the health status, lifestyles, quality of life, ethic and professional aptitudes of potential conscripts in the Orenburg region in the course of preliminary military training. Methods. Reports and accounts of enlistment commissariats across Orenburg municipalities were studied from 2012 through 2021. The study focused on the Orenburg region residents of conscription age, who underwent an anonymous social and demographic survey. Quality of life indicators were estimated by MOS SF-36, whereas dedicated personality and aptitude testing was used to assess neuropsychic stability and cognitive abilities.Results and analysis. In 2012 the Orenburg region had 21,600 residents of conscription age, with 65.1% considered healthy and apt for military service. Almost one in three conscripts was unfit for military service due to health issues. Due to demographic challenges in the region, the number of conscripts decreased year to year, resulting in a 30% drop-down by 2021 according to forecasts. This situation undermined military service conscription goals. Therefore, efforts were undertaken to mainstream healthcare and fitness initiatives among the youth, as well as actively promote healthy lifestyles and sports, which eventually allowed to attract more newly drafted conscripts. Thus, in 2021 the rate of conscripts considered healthy and apt for military service stood at was 77.7%.Conclusion. Analyses of medical, social and psychological characteristics of Russian nationals of conscription age provides evidence for appropriate decision-making to maintaining the combat abilities of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.