The demographics and diving behaviour of DAN Asia-Pacific members with and without pre-existing medical conditions.

INTRODUCTION: This report examines Diver Alert Network Asia-Pacific (DAN AP) members with and without cardiac or respiratory conditions, diabetes or hypertension and compares their demographics, health and diving activities.

METHODOLOGY: Two online cross-sectional surveys of DAN AP members were conducted. The first sought information from 833 divers who applied for membership between July 2009 and August 2013 and who had declared the targeted medical conditions. The second, conducted between December 2014 and April 2015, was sent to 9,927 current members with known email addresses. The groups were compared for age, gender, body mass index, fitness, smoking and diving qualifications, history, currency and practices.

RESULTS: Of 343 (41%) respondents to the first survey, 267 (32%) provided sufficient information for inclusion. Of 1,786 (18%) respondents to the second survey, 1,437 (15%) had no targeted medical condition and were included in the analysis. Those with medical conditions were on average 4.7 years older (P 〈 0.001); more overweight or obese (68% versus 57%, P = 0.001); took more medications (57% vs. 29%, P 〈 0.001), smoked less (4% vs. 7%, P = 0.02) and did less repetitive diving (median 75 vs 90, P 〈 0.001). Other diving demographics were similar.

CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of people are diving with medical conditions and there is a need to better understand the associated risks. Divers need to be well-educated about the potential impact such conditions may have on diving safety and should monitor their health status, especially as they age.