Rejection of Cadets on Medical Grounds for Admission into Sainik Schools: A Retrospective Analysis for 7 Years

Abstract

Background: Children are vital to the nation's present and future. Students who are physically active and healthy tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance and classroom behaviours. Higher physical and medical fitness levels are associated with improved cognitive performance among students. Candidates must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease/ disability which is likely to interfere with the efficient performance of military duties. There should be no evidence of a weak constitution, or bodily defects. As per Sainik Schools Society Rules and Regulations 1997, no standards of height, weight and chest measurement will be applicable at the time of admission for Sainik schools. The National Defence Academy is an iconic institution and hallmark of global excellence in the sphere of military education. A review of the literature shows that very few research studies have been conducted in this area. Objective: To analyse the medical conditions for the rejection of cadets for admission into Sainik school. Methods: For the present study quantitative research approach with a descriptive retrospective research design was chosen. Data was collected by analysis of medical examination reports of a total of 1784 students, who appeared medical board in various parameters in the departments of General medicine, General surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology (For girls). Data was collected for the period of 7 years i.e., from the year 2016 to 2022. For data collection, permission was obtained from institutional authorities. Results: Analysis of medical examination reports of cadets for 7 years revealed that a total of 1784 cadets appeared for the medical board for medical examination. Which majority (88.84%) of cadets were declared fit and the remaining (11.11%) were declared medically unfit. Analysis of data of unfit cadets revealed that the majority (85.5%) of cadets were medically rejected due to Ocular conditions like Myopia, Complete and Partial Blindness and Astigmatism, 5.5% of cadets were rejected due to Anaemia and Cardiac diseases, 3% due to surgical conditions like Inguinal Hernia, Umbilical Hernia, Undescended testes and Congenital Hydrocele, followed by 2.5% were rejected in Dental and 2.5% were rejected in the combination of Dental+ Ocular conditions (Less dental points, Malocclusion, and dental issues combined with Ocular problems). Very few (1%) cadets were rejected due to ENT problems (Deviated Nasal Septum) and none of the cadets were rejected due to OBG (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) related problems. Conclusion: The prevalence of myopia around the world has increased recently. Astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia are the 3 common refractive errors in children. Early detection of childhood myopia helps in the prediction of progressive myopia and severe ocular morbidities associated with it. Uncorrected vision problems in childhood may affect their ability to learn and reach their highest potential. Routine eye and medical examinations are important for early diagnosis and proper treatment of medical conditions.