The effect of military training on anxiety symptoms in Chinese recruits

Objective To investigate the prevalence of anxiety symptoms in army recruits and the effect of military training on anxiety.Methods A cluster sampling of 1431 new army recruits was conducted.The anxiety level of recruits was determined by Beck Anxiety Inventory(BAI) and Adult EPQ questionnaires prior to,one month after,and two months after entering basic military training.Self compiled biographic variables of the recruits were collected before the training.Results The highest BAI score(32.71±7.87) was observed 2 days before training,followed by 1 month after training(31.49±7.75) and 2 months after training(29.87±6.95).BAI score before training correlated with neuroticism and extraversion of recruits,the psychological trauma,suicide feeling and frequency of exercise before recruiting.A significant decrease in the percentage of severe symptom of wobbliness in legs,instability to relax,racing heart,dizziness,fear of the worst happening and trembling hands was observed after 1 month and/or 2 months of military training.Conclusion A higher BAI score and percentage of severe anxiety symptoms were observed before the training which correlated with psychological characteristics of recruits as well as the psychological experience before entering training.A combination of early psychological interference and physical exercise could reduce the anxiety.