retrospective study of rate of staff depletion due to acute mountain sickness at different altitudes

Objective　To provide a scientific basis for logistic health support by analyzing the relationship between altitudes and rate of staff depletion due to acute mountain sickness (AMS). Methods　Rate of staff depletion due to AMS at different altitudes was obtained from relevant literature, and statistical methods including descriptive statistics, curve estimation etc. were applied to analyze the relationship between the altitude and rate of AMS-associated staff depletion. Results　The AMSassociated staff depletion was positively correlated with the altitude (Pearson correlation r=0.868, P < 0.01). The curve fitting equation of AMS-associated staff depletion rate (P) and the square of the altitude (h) in the range of 3500-5270m altitude was : P=64.542－0.034h+4.90×10－6h2, and the goodness-of-fit test showed a very good curve fit (coefficient of determination R2=0.835, F=35.492, P < 0.01). There was a remarkable difference in rate of AMS-associated staff depletion between 3000-4000m and 4000m or higher (t=－3.097, P < 0.05), with a mean of 5.74%±3.70%, and 95%CI of 2.64%-8.83% and a mean of 17.53%±10.16% and 95%CI of 9.72%-25.34% respectively. Conclusion　AMS-associated staff depletion rate is positively correlated with the altitude. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for predicting AMS-associated staff depletion.