A saúde do trabalhador offshore: uma análise sanitarista sobre a realidade das negociações coletivas do trabalho em alto-mar / The health of the offshore worker: a sanitarian analysis of the reality of collective negotiations on the high seas

Considerando como tema central a saúde do trabalhador, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a realidade das negociações coletivas do trabalho em alto-mar, avaliando como hipótese a fragilidade no controle do poder público sobre o processo produtivo como limite da efetividade de uma realidade em prol da saúde e segurança dos trabalhadores e trabalhadoras desse setor. Para isso, foram pontuados os seguintes objetivos específicos: a) apresentar distintas concepções e valorações do trabalho humano através das perspectivas sanitarista, ocupacional e previdenciária; b) apontar como a saúde do trabalhador offshore se organiza e vem sendo estruturada; c) elencar quais são os principais atores, práticas, possibilidades e obstáculos na consolidação do controle público na garantia de direitos do trabalhador offshore; d) pautar limites e possibilidades contidos nas negociações (acordos e convenções) no âmbito de acidentes e adoecimentos decorrentes da relação laboral da categoria; e e) analisar aspectos do acidente ocorrido no dia 11 de fevereiro de 2015 na unidade estacionária de produção, armazenamento e transferência de óleo e exportação de gás da empresa BW Offshore denominada Cidade de São Mateus (FPSO CDSM), que na ocasião era afretada pela Petrobras. Assim sendo, o leitor poderá observar detalhes a respeito do mercado de petróleo e gás, tais como sua importância no contexto econômico nacional, a inserção massiva da terceirização nas relações de trabalho e prestação de serviços dessa cadeia produtiva, além das representações sindicais desse universo laborativo em específico. Será possível, ainda, compreender as diferentes concepções de saúde do trabalhador, que revelam as abordagens e os interesses diversos no campo teórico-prático quando o assunto é a saúde e a segurança no ambiente laborativo, além de se familiarizar com aspectos garantidores ou vulnerabilizantes de direitos frente às negociações coletivas entre os representantes sindicais dos trabalhadores offshore da empresa BW Offshore. Por fim, será possível observar uma análise e tentativa de compreensão mais ampla do acidente supracitado, sob a ótica do déficit de controle público sobre os processos produtivos empresariais e, por consequência, da manutenção da inobservância do Estado em mediar essas relações. (AU)

Considering workers' health as a central theme, the objective of this study was to analyze the reality of collective negotiations on the high seas work, considering as a hypothesis the fragility in the control of the public power over the productive process as a limit of the effectiveness of a reality in favor of the health and safety of workers in this sector. For this, the following specific objectives were scored: a) To present different conceptions and valuations of human work through the sanitarian, occupational and social security perspectives; b) To point out how the health of the offshore worker is organized and has been structured; c) List the main actors, practices, possibilities and obstacles in consolidating public control in guaranteeing the rights of offshore workers; d) To guide limits and possibilities contained in the negotiations (agreements and conventions) in the context of accidents and illnesses resulting from the employment relationship of the category; e) Analyzing aspects of the accident that occurred on February 11, 2015, at the stationary production, storage, and oil and gas export unit of the company BW Offshore, known as Cidade de São Mateus (FPSO CDSM), which was chartered by Petrobras. Thus, the reader will be able to observe details about the oil and gas market, such as its importance in the national economic context, the massive insertion of outsourcing in labor relations and provision of services to this production chain, in addition to the union representations of this specific labor universe. It will be possible to understand the different conceptions of workers' health, which reveal the diverse interests and approaches in the theoretical and practical field regarding health and safety in the workplace. Additionally, the reader will be able to become acquainted with aspects that guarantee or undermine rights vulnerable during collective negotiations between the union representatives of offshore workers at BW Offshore. It will be also possible to observe an analysis and attempt at a broader understanding of the aforementioned accident, understood from the perspective of the deficit of public control over the business production processes, and consequently the maintenance of the State's non-observance in mediating these relations. (AU)

Correlation between tryptophan daily intake and occupational factors with stress outcome scores among offshore and onshore workers

INTRODUCTION@#Offshore and onshore workers have a higher risk of psychological stress related to their job. Stress reactions vary depending on the type of stressor, the duration or severity of the stressor, their genetics, their coping styles, and their nutrition. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid precursor of serotonin and melatonin, which have an antidepressant effect and roles in stress perception and management. This study assessed the correlation of daily tryptophan intake and occupational factors with stress outcome scores based on the Indonesian Short Version New Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (SV-NBJSQ) among offshore and onshore workers.@*METHODS@#A cross-sectional study was conducted on 14 offshore workers and 20 onshore workers. Interviews and questionnaires were conducted to obtain demographic data, dietary intake, occupational factors, and stress outcome scores. Tryptophan daily intake was measured through a single 24-hour dietary recall and a one-day-weighted food record. Data of average daily intake for two days were analyzed using the NutriSurvey software based on the food composition table from The United States Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database for calculating tryptophan intake.@*RESULTS@#The median (min-max) tryptophan daily intake of offshore workers was 5.5 (1.9–9.9) mg/kg, and 4.5 (1.4–7.5) mg/kg among onshore workers. There was no difference in tryptophan daily intake between offshore and onshore workers (p = 0.064). There was no significant difference between occupational factors except for the shorter tenure of offshore workers (12.5 vs 3, p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between tryptophan daily intake and each of the stress outcome scores. There was a significant correlation between occupational factors and stress outcome scores among offshore and onshore workers, specifically between workload and fatigue (r = 0.35, p =0.04), workload and depression (r = 0.4, p = 0.02), interpersonal conflict and anxiety (r = 0.47, p = 0.005), role conflict and anxiety (r = 0.47, p = 0.005), as well as between tenure and physical reaction stress (r = -0.42, p = 0.02).@*CONCLUSION@#Adequate tryptophan daily intake and high stress outcome scores among offshore and onshore oil and gas workers are observed in this study, and no correlation was found between the two. Similar food sources, homogeneous occupational stressors, the selection bias of the “healthy worker effect” or other factors that were not studied may influence the findings. There is a correlation between occupational factors and stress outcome scores, namely workload and fatigue, workload and depression, interpersonal conflict and anxiety, role conflict and anxiety, and tenure and stress physical reactions.

EFECTOS ADVERSOS MORFOLÓGICOS EN EXPOSICIÓN HIPERAGUDA A LODOS DE PERFORACIÓN EN BASE AGUA EN Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus (Familia: Hydractiniidae) / Morphologic adverse effects in hyperacute exposition to water-based mud in Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus (Hydractiniidae)

RESUMEN Los desechos derivados del proceso de perforación en las plataformas marinas petroleras pueden dejar hasta 200 000 toneladas de residuos de perforación en los ecosistemas marinos. El principal agente contaminante son los lodos de perforación petrolera (LPPs), que son usados para enfriar y lubricar la broca de perforación, además de contrarrestar fuerzas de presión y posibles fugas de hidrocarburos. Se sabe que los LPPs tienen un efecto contaminante y tóxico observándose alteraciones en los ecosistemas y efectos adversos en organismos invertebrados marinos, debidos principalmente a la presencia de barita y trazas de metales pesados. En este trabajo se realizaron experimentos de exposición hiperagudos con mezclas completas de lodos de perforación base agua (WBM) a máximos niveles de concentración en colonias de Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus. Los resultados mostraron cambios significativos (p < 0,001) en la morfología de los pólipos inmediatamente después del contacto con WBM, con un incremento 1,5 veces en el diámetro del pólipo y una retracción en la longitud de los tentáculos del 75 %. Después de la exposición (fase de recuperación), se observó una disminución de biomasa a las 72 h con pérdida del 50 % de los pólipos y una reducción de la mata estolonal cercana al 50 % (p < 0,01). Efectos similares han sido reportados en otras especies de cnidarios, como los corales, donde se observó retracción de pólipos y zonas expuestas de exoesqueleto. La exposición a WBM genera irritación tisular en exposición directa y en casos severos pérdida de biomasa.

ABSTRACT Wastes derived from the drilling process on offshore oil platforms can leave up to 200 000 tons of cuttings in marine ecosystems. The principal pollutants in cuttings are drilling muds (DM). The DM are used to cool and lubricate the drill bit, counteract pressure forces and possible hydrocarbon leaks. DM contaminate the marine environment and have toxic adverse effects upon marine invertebrate organisms, mainly due to the presence of barite and traces of heavy metals. In this research, hyperacute exposure experiments were performed with complete mixtures of water-based drilling muds (WBM) at maximum concentration levels in Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus colonies. Results showed significant changes (p < 0.001) in polyp morphology immediately after contact with WBM, with a 1.5-fold increase in its diameter and a 75 % of retraction in the length of the tentacles. A biomass loss was observed after exposure (recovery phase). Near 50 % of polyps and stolonal mat were bioabsorbed with statistical significance (p < 0.01) at 72 h. Similar effects have been reported in other species of cnidarians, such as corals, where there is retraction of polyps and exoskeleton exposed areas also observed. Exposure to WBM generates tissue irritation and extreme cases loss of biomass.

Speciation of heavy metals and their distribution in surface sediments of the northwestern part of the ROPME Sea Area

Aim: To analyze samples of marine sediment at 24 stations for heavy metals as per sequential Community Bureau of Reference protocol in order to obtain metal distribution pattern in Kuwait offshore.Methodology: In the present study, a centrifugal particle-size analyzer was used for measuring sediment grain size. The Community Bureau of Reference scheme was deployed for the sequential extraction of heavy metal speciation, and the fractionation was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Results: Grain-size analysis showed that the study area contained 71.8% silt, 22.6% sand and 5.56% clay at most locations. The average abundance of total concentration of heavy metals was found in the following order: lead< cobalt< copper< zinc< chromium< nickel. The mobility order of exchangeable fraction of heavy metals decreased in the order lead> nickel> zinc> cobalt> copper; in the reducible fraction: lead> copper> zinc> cobalt> nickel; in the oxidizable fraction: lead> chromium> copper> nickel> cobalt> zinc and in the residual fraction:cobalt> chromium> nickel> zinc> copper>lead, respectively. Interpretation: The outcome of the present study cannot establish the actual form of species of a given metal in the sediment; though, it appears to be useful in categorizing the metals within several prevailing geochemical fractions.

Impact of offshore aquaculture on molluscan biodiversity in Ild?r Bay, Aegean Sea, Turkey

Aim: Benthic organisms in marine sediments affect several processes in which seas and oceans are very important. These organisms can represent the biodiversity, alive composition, biomass and prolificacy of the associated biota. The aim of this study was to determine the environmental effects of offshore aquaculture systems based on macrobenthic mollusc composition and the structure of its community in Ildır Bay during specific spatial and temporal patterns. Methodology: The benthic samplings of the zoobenthic organisms in the region were performed by means of Van Veen grab (10 l) from the sea sediment. In the laboratory, macrobenthic organisms were separated into main taxonomic groups. Various statistical methods were applied to establish the distributional and ecological characteristics of molluscan species and individuals. Results: The results of the present study indicated 44 species and 1287 individuals belonging to 33 families of Mollusca. T. distorta and C. gibba, which are particularly indicative of pollution, were found uncommon in the study area and stations. T. communis was found to be the most dominant (45%). With regard to mollusca species, in particular the fish farm was found to have no discernible negative effect at the sampling sites. Interpretation: Live fauna that were found inside and above the sediments at the sea bottom can be used as a decisive factor in fishery and aquaculture activities.

Guia de atendimento em Parada Cardiopulmonar para equipe de primeiros socorros em ambiente offshore / Cardiopulmonary arrest service guide for first aid team in offshore environment

Introdução: De acordo com a World Heart Federation mais de 17 milhões de pessoas morrem por doenças cardiovasculares no mundo. A morte súbita cardíaca por parada cardiopulmonar é uma das causas dessas mortes, e ocorre em 50% dos casos em ambiente extra-hpospitalar, desta forma preparar leigos para intervir de maneira eficaz aumenta a chance de vida das vítimas acometidas por este evento. Levando em consideração que estamos em uma realidade offshore e que o resgate avançado está numa perspectiva positiva a no mínimo 70 minutos, preparar equipe de primeiros socorros para atendimento a esse cenário em especial onde a demora no atendimento significa aumento da possibilidade de morte ou de sequelas. Objetivos: Elaborar guia de atuação em reanimação cardiopulmonar para equipe de socorrista em ambiente offshore. Método: Para o desenvolvimento do estudo proposto foi utilizada a abordagem metodológica descritiva. A pesquisa metodológica trata de investigações dos métodos de obtenção e organização de dados e condução de pesquisas rigorosas. O estudo foi realizado em quatro etapas, sendo a primeira etapa composta pela realização de uma revisão integrativa, que permitiu identificar na literatura obras que foram analisadas acerca da temática para dar embasamento ao estudo. Na segunda etapa foi realizada a busca na lietratura cinzenta e as diretrizes e recomendações da American Heart Association para atendimento de reanimação cardiopulmonar. Na terceira etapa ocorreu a compactação dos dados levantados para elaboração do protótipo do guia. Na quarta etapa foram realizadas as alterações necessárias conforme solicitada pela revisão técnica. O presente estudo será validado em estudos futuros. Resultados: Após a verificação da lacuna através da revisão integrativa, foi elaborado o guia de visando responder a essas lacunas utilizando a literatura cinzenta, em especial a diretriz e recomendações da American Heart Association, pois essas diretrizes são usadas mundialmente para as manobras de reanimação cardiopulmonar. Realizar treinamento com utilização de manequim foi demonstrado como melhor intervenção para ensinar o protocolo, pois dessa forma a população leiga tem mais possibilidade de assimilar. Conclusão: A falta de informação da população a respeito de o que fazer em caso de como prestar atendimento a vítimas de parada cardiopulmonar é o grande problema, em especial em países em desenvolvimento. As manobras de reanimação cardiopulmonar podem ser necessárias a qualquer momento e o treinamento é a melhor maneira para disseminar as informações e atualizações. O guia como tecnologia educativa pode suprir essa lacuna junto a população leiga. É necessária a realização de novos estudos acerca da temática no ambiente offshore

Introduction: According to the World Heart Federation, more than 17 million people die from cardiovascular disease in the world. Sudden cardiac death due to cardiopulmonary arrest is one of the causes of these deaths, and occurs in 50% of cases in an extra-hospital environment, so preparing lay people to intervene effectively increases the chance of life of the victims affected by this event. Taking into account that we are in an offshore reality and that the advanced rescue is in a positive perspective for at least 70 minutes, prepare first aid personnel to attend to this scenario in particular where the delay in care means increased possibility of death or sequelae . Objectives: Elaborate guide of action in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for first-aid team in offshore environment. Method: For the development of the proposed study the descriptive methodological approach was used. The methodological research deals with investigations of methods of obtaining and organizing data and conducting rigorous research. The study was carried out in four stages, the first stage being composed by an integrative review, which allowed the identification in the literature of works that were analyzed about the theme to support the study. In the second stage, the search for gray matter and the guidelines and recommendations of the American Heart Association for cardiopulmonary resuscitation were performed. In the third step, the data collected for compiling the prototype of the guide was compiled. In the fourth stage, the necessary changes were made as requested by the technical review. The present study will be validated in future studies. Results: Following the verification of the gap through the integrative review, the guide was designed to respond to these gaps using the gray literature, especially the American Heart Association guideline and recommendations, as these guidelines are used worldwide for cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers . Performing training with the use of a dummy was demonstrated as a better intervention to teach the protocol, since in this way the lay population is more likely to assimilate. Conclusion: The lack of information from the population about what to do in case of providing care to victims of cardiopulmonary arrest is the big problem, especially in developing countries. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers may be needed at any time and training is the best way to disseminate information and updates. The guide as educational technology can fill this gap with the lay population. Further studies on the subject are needed in the offshore environment

Introducción: Según la World Heart Federation más de 17 millones de personas mueren por enfermedades cardiovasculares en el mundo. La muerte súbita cardiaca por parada cardiopulmonar es una de las causas de esas muertes, y ocurre en el 50% de los casos en ambiente extra-hpospitalario, de esta forma preparar laicos para intervenir de manera eficaz aumenta la posibilidad de vida de las víctimas acometidas por este evento. Teniendo en cuenta que estamos en una realidad offshore y que el rescate avanzado está en una perspectiva positiva a por lo menos 70 minutos, preparar equipo de primeros auxilios para atender a ese escenario en especial donde la demora en la atención significa aumento de la posibilidad de muerte o de secuelas . Objetivos: Elaborar guía de actuación en reanimación cardiopulmonar para equipo de socorrista en ambiente offshore. Método: Para el desarrollo del estudio propuesto se utilizó el enfoque metodológico descriptivo. La investigación metodológica trata de investigaciones de los métodos de obtención y organización de datos y conducción de investigaciones rigurosas. El estudio fue realizado en cuatro etapas, siendo la primera etapa compuesta por la realización de una revisión integrativa, que permitió identificar en la literatura obras que fueron analizadas acerca de la temática para dar basamento al estudio. En la segunda etapa se realizó la búsqueda en la lietratura gris y las directrices y recomendaciones de la American Heart Association para atención de reanimación cardiopulmonar. En la tercera etapa se produjo la compactación de los datos levantados para la elaboración del prototipo de la guía. En la cuarta etapa se realizaron las modificaciones necesarias según lo solicitado por la revisión técnica. El presente estudio será validado en estudios futuros. Resultados: Después de la verificación de la brecha através de la revisión integrativa, se elaboró la guía para responder a esas lagunas utilizando la literatura gris, en especial la directriz y recomendaciones de la American Heart Association, pues esas directrices son usadas mundialmente para las maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar . Realizar entrenamiento con uso de maniquí fue demostrado como mejor intervención para enseñar el protocolo, pues de esa forma la población laica tiene más posibilidad de asimilar. Conclusión: La falta de información de la población acerca de qué hacer en caso de cómo prestar atención a las víctimas de la parada cardiopulmonar es el gran problema, especialmente en los países en desarrollo. Las maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar pueden ser necesarias en cualquier momento y el entrenamiento es la mejor manera para diseminar la información y las actualizaciones. La guía como tecnología educativa puede suplir esa laguna junto a la población laica. Es necesaria la realización de nuevos estudios sobre la temática en el entorno offshore

Analysis of occupational health surveillance for workers on offshore platforms / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To understand the status of occupational health surveillance for workers on offshore platforms.@*Methods@#The research period was from 2014 to 2016. From 2014 to 2016, a cross-sectional survey method was adopted to select 429 people for offshore oil production, drilling and operation platforms and their first-line workers to conduct workplace occupational hygiene. Investigation, occupational hazard factor testing, occupational health check of workers, collation and statistical analysis of surveys and test data, and comparison of occupational health surveillance among workers of different types of offshore platforms.@*Results@#From 2014 to 2016, the results of chemical harmful factors detection of occupational diseases in the offshore platform were in line with the national occupational health exposure limit requirements. The noise of some platform posts exceeded the standard, such as: oil platform oil, oil and oil and gas processing workers, diesel engines for drilling and working platforms. Worker noise exceeds national occupational health limits p[Lex, 8 h>85 dB(A)].There was a statistically significant difference in the occupational health of workers on the same platform with the age and length of service (P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Workers on different platforms at sea may be subject to different levels of occupational health damage, and the occupational hazards brought by noise to platform workers are particularly prominent.

Inspeção sanitária dos manipuladores de alimentos no universo Offshore: protagonismo do enfermeiro no cuidado à saúde / Sanitary inspection of food handlers in the offshore universe: the role of nurses in health care / Inspección sanitaria de los manipuladores de alimentos en el universo offshore: protagonismo del enfermero en el cuidado de la salud

Introdução: O universo offshore para o enfermeiro é um campo que se encontra em evidência frente à demanda nos dias atuais. Uma das particularidades desenvolvidas pelo enfermeiro é a fiscalização dos profissionais envolvidos com alimentação e limpeza, que ao passar por inspeções sanitárias respondem ao órgão responsável pela inspeção, atendendo assim legislações da Marinha do Brasil e órgãos federais como a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Logo, por se tratar da minha área de atuação profissional, levantei esse estudo com o propósito de desenvolver um instrumento facilitador para os enfermeiros na realização da avaliação física e higiênica dos manipuladores de alimentos em forma de uma lista de verificação, onde o enfermeiro tenha os pontos necessários para uma avaliação adequada, clara e sem víeis do estado físico desses trabalhadores. Objetivos: Criar uma lista de verificação das condições sanitárias dos manipuladores de alimentos que atuam em unidade de alimentação e nutrição Offshore após identificação na produção científica da área da saúde, literatura/evidências acerca de inspeção sanitária dos trabalhadores com vistas às boas práticas de manipulação de alimentos Método: Para o desenvolvimento do estudo proposto foi utilizada a abordagem qualitativa, o qual se apresenta como de natureza teórica metodológica e descritiva. A pesquisa metodológica trata de investigações dos métodos de obtenção e organização de dados e condução de pesquisas rigorosas. O estudo foi realizado em três etapas, sendo a primeira etapa composta pela realização de uma revisão integrativa, que permitiu identificar na literatura obras que foram analisadas acerca da temática para dar embasamento ao estudo. Na segunda etapa foi realizado um apanhado de informações nas legislações e obras especialistas na área de exame físico com objetivo de criar padrões para a construção de um instrumento de avaliação física e higiênica. Na terceira etapa ocorreu a compactação dos dados levantados para a criação dos padrões, assim possibilitando a criação do instrumento em forma de cheklist (palavra em inglês, considerada um americanismo que significa lista de verificações), podendo assim com esse instrumento nortear os enfermeiros em suas inspeções sanitárias com os manipuladores de alimentos. Resultados: Foi cirado padrões e construido uma lista de verificação para realização das inspeções sanitárias de manipuladores de alimentos em ambiente offshore. Conclusão: Conclui-se que é notória a necessidade de mais estudos acerca da temática afim de estabelecer e deixar mais claro o papel do enfermeiro em uma área que se encontra em expansão e requer profissionais cada vez mais específicos e com aprimoramento como o universo offshore

Introduction: The offshore universe for the nurse is a field that is in evidence in front of the present demand. One of the peculiarities developed by the nurse is the inspection of the professionals involved with food and cleaning, who, when passing through sanitary inspections; respond to the agency responsible for inspection, thus complying with Brazilian Navy legislation and federal agencies such as the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency. Therefore, because it is my area of professional practice. In view of the above, it was defined as a general objective: To prepare a checklist of the physical and hygienic conditions of food handlers operating in the Offshore food and nutrition, and as specific objectives: To identify in scientific production of the health area, literature / evidence on the evaluation / physical- sanitary conditions of workers with a view to good food handling practices and develop an instrument to evaluate the physical and personal hygiene aspects of workers handling food in a food unit and nutrition in an offshore environment based on the scientific literature. Method: For the development of the proposed study the qualitative approach was used, which is presented as a theoretical methodological and descriptive. The methodological research deals with investigations of methods of obtaining and organizing data and conducting rigorous research. They deal with the development, validation and evaluation of tools and research methods. In the methodological study, it often focuses on the development of new instruments, and the goal is the development of a reliable, accurate and usable instrument that can be applied by other researchers and professionals. This study belongs to any scientific discipline, dealing with complex phenomena such as the behavior or health of individuals, such as occurs in nursing research. Methodological research is considered a strategy that systematically uses existing knowledge to elaborate a new intervention or significant improvement of an existing intervention, or to elaborate or improve an instrument, a device or a method of mediation. Results: The study was carried out in three stages, and the first stage consisted of an integrative review, which allowed the identification in the literature of works that were analyzed about the theme to support the study. In the second stage, a collection of information was made in the legislations and expert works in the area of physical examination with the objective of creating standards for the construction of a physical and hygienic evaluation instrument. In the third stage, the data collected for the creation of the standards were compiled, thus enabling the creation of the instrument in the form of a checklist (English, considered an Americanism that means a checklist), so that with this instrument it can guide nurses in their assessments. Results: It was created standards and built a checklist for conducting sanitary inspections of food handlers in an offshore environment. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a need for more studies about the subject in order to establish and clarify the role of nurses in an expanding area and require more specific and improved professionals such as the offshore universe

Introducción: El universo offshore para el enfermero es un campo que se encuentra en evidencia frente a la demanda en los días actuales. Una de las particularidades desarrolladas por el enfermero es la fiscalización de los profesionales involucrados con alimentación y limpieza, que al pasar por inspecciones sanitarias responden al órgano responsable de la inspección, atendiendo así legislaciones de la Marina de Brasil y organismos federales como la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria. Por lo tanto, por tratarse de mi área de actuación profesional, levanté ese estudio con el propósito de desarrollar un instrumento facilitador para los enfermeros en la realización de la evaluación física e higiénica de los manipuladores de alimentos en forma de un lista de comprobación, donde el enfermero tenga los puntos necesarios para una evaluación adecuada, clara y sin víveres del estado físico de esos trabajadores. Objetivos: Crear un lista de comprobación de las condiciones sanitarias de los manipuladores de alimentos que actúan en unidad de alimentación y nutrición Offshore tras identificación en la producción científica del área de la salud, literatura / evidencias acerca de la inspección sanitaria de los trabajadores con miras a buenas prácticas de manipulación de alimentos Método: Para el desarrollo del estudio propuesto se utilizó el abordaje cualitativo, el cual se presenta como de naturaleza teórica metodológica y descriptiva. La investigación metodológica trata de investigaciones de los métodos de obtención y organización de datos y conducción de investigaciones rigurosas. El estudio fue realizado en tres etapas, siendo la primera etapa compuesta por la realización de una revisión integrativa, que permitió identificar en la literatura obras que fueron analizadas acerca de la temática para dar fundamento al estudio. En la segunda etapa se realizó un recopilación de informaciones en las legislaciones y obras especialistas en el área de examen físico con el objetivo de crear patrones para la construcción de un instrumento de evaluación física e higiénica. En la tercera etapa se produjo la compactación de los datos levantados para la creación de los patrones, así posibilitando la creación del instrumento en forma de cheklist (palabra en inglés, considerada un americanismo que significa lista de verificaciones), pudiendo así con ese instrumento orientar a los enfermeros en sus inspecciones sanitarias con los manipuladores de alimentos. Resultados: Se han establecido patrones y se ha construido una lista de verificación para la realización de inspecciones sanitarias de manipuladores de alimentos en ambiente offshore. Conclusión: Se concluye que es notoria la necesidad de más estudios acerca de la temática a fin de establecer y dejar más claro el papel del enfermero en un área que se encuentra en expansión y requiere profesionales cada vez más específicos y con perfeccionamiento como el offshore universo

Sentidos de tempo livre para trabalhadores offshore / Meanings of free time for offshore workers

Resumo Este artigo apresenta resultados parciais da pesquisa que objetivou compreender quais os sentidos sobre tempo livre produzidos por trabalhadores offshore em seu cotidiano de trabalho. A pesquisa utilizou abordagem qualitativa, tendo como principal fonte de informação entrevistas compreensivas realizadas com trabalhadores de ambos os gêneros da Bacia de Campos/Rio de Janeiro. Foi possível consolidar dois eixos de análise: os tempos lá, relativos à vida dos trabalhadores quando estão embarcados nas plataformas de petróleo, e os tempos cá, referentes à sua vida em terra. Foram discutidos elementos substanciais acerca da vida cotidiana dos trabalhadores no período do embarque e as relações temporais concebidas em seu cotidiano de trabalho. Concluiu-se que as experiências temporais vivenciadas pelos trabalhadores offshore são intensas e pautadas na produção, enquanto os sentidos de tempo livre são de descanso e recuperação da força de trabalho.

Abstract This article reports the partial results of a research that was aimed at understanding the meanings of free time attributed by offshore workers in their daily work. The qualitative approach was adopted for the research, which was carried out based on comprehensive interviews conducted with workers of Bacia de Campos (a coastal sedimentary basin of the Northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Two major aspects were analyzed: the time there, referring to the lives of workers while on board of offshore oil platforms and the time here, referring to their lives while on land. Substantial elements of the daily life of workers during their time on the platform and the temporal relationships established in their daily work were discussed. It was concluded that the temporal experiences of offshore workers are based on production, whereas free time means rest period and time to recover from the efforts and restore energy to continue the work.

Relationship of job stress with job burnout and quality of work life in workers for offshore oil platforms / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the current status of job burnout and qual ity of work life (QWL) in workers for offshore oil platforms, and to analyze the relationship of job stress with job burnout and QWL and the direct and indirect effects of job stress on QWL.@*Methods@#Cluster random sampling was used to select 382 work-ers for 8 oil platforms of China National Offshore Oil Corporation in October 2015. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect the individual characteristics of subjects. The Quality of Work Life Scale (QWL7-32) , Occupa-tional Stress Inventory-Revised Edition (OSI-R) , and Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) were used to investigate the QWL, job stress, and job burnout of subjects.@*Results@#Among all the workers for offshore oil platforms, 87.2% had mild job burnout. The total QWL score was 116.01 ± 16.73; 8.3% of the workers had poor QWL, and 68.5% had moderate QWL. QWL was reduced with heavier task, vaguer task, and increasing mental stress and physical stress (P<0.05) , and increased with more social support (P<0.05) . Job stress had di-rect and indirect effects on QWL; stress reaction had the most effect on QWL (total effect size -0.509) , followed by social support (total effect size 0.444) .@*Conclusion@#Most workers for offshore oil platforms have mild job burn-out and moderate QWL. Job stress is associated with job burnout and QWL, and stress reaction and social support have relatively high influence on QWL.

Offshore Safety Awareness Training System

@#Safety is vital in any industry, including the offshore sector, which is classified as a major hazard industry. Health, Safety and the Environment (HSE) identified that the probability of accidents is high while working on the offshore sectors where it will exposed workers to many hazardous work activities. The appropriate measures to prevent accident in this sectors must be laid out clearly. This paper is to identify the effectiveness of safety awareness campaign and the continuity of the awareness among the workers to prevent injuries at offshore. To achieve this, we have identified the level of awareness and propose a guideline on areas of improvement. Prior of embarking to offshore, staff were exposed to safety awareness program for four weeks. After the program, we started with the pretest to all staff. They were posted offshore for 6 weeks. Within the period, the performance awareness of each staff is monitored through observation and interview. During the final week, the posttest questionnaire were administered to all staff. Two instruments were used for the quantitative data collection, which are Unsafe Act Unsafe Condition (UAUC) card; and Behavior Observation Tool (BOT) card. Questionnaire data were analyzed quantitatively. Paired-sample t-test was used for analyzing pre and post result. The results show that the mean was increased. Recent studies on the safety briefing highlighted several significant changes in terms of employee understanding toward safety. Safety awareness training has been introduced in the new safety briefing prior to offshore mobilization.

Offshore Safety Awareness Training System

Safety is vital in any industry, including the offshore sector, which is classified as a major hazard industry. Health, Safet y and the Environment (HSE) identified that the prob a bility of accidents is high while working on the offshore sectors where it will exposed workers to many hazardous work activities. The appropriate measures to prevent acc i dent in this sectors must be laid out clearly. This paper is to identify the effectiveness of safety awareness campaign and the conti- nuity of the awareness among the workers to prevent injuries at of fshore. To achieve this, we have identified the level of awareness and propose a guideline on areas of improvement. Prior of embarking to offshore, staff w e re exposed to safety awareness pr o gram for four weeks. A f ter the program, we started with the pretest to all staff. They were posted off- shore for 6 weeks. Within the period, the performance awareness of each staff is monitored through observation and interview. During the f inal week, the posttest questionnaire were administered to all staff. Two instruments were used for the quantitative data collection, which are Unsafe Act Unsafe Condition (UAUC) card; and Behavior Observation Tool (BOT) card. Questio n naire data were analy zed quantitatively. Paired - sample t - test was used for analyzing pre and post result. The results show that the mean was increased. Recent studies on the safety briefing highlighted several significant changes in terms of e m ployee understanding toward safe ty. Safety awareness training has been introduced in the new safety briefing prior to of f shore mobilization.

A efetividade de metodologias de diagnóstico rápido em ergonomia em plataformas offshore: revisitando o conceito de modo degradado de funcionamento / The effectiveness of rapid ergonomics diagnostic methodologies applied to offshore platforms: revisiting the concept of degraded mode of operation

Resumo Introdução: plataformas offshore enfrentam crescentes demandas de manutenção, com um quantitativo fixo de trabalhadores. Com o tempo, ocorre a degradação progressiva das instalações, sendo necessárias estratégias diferenciadas para recuperar a integridade operacional. Objetivo: apresentar como uma Metodologia de Diagnóstico Rápido (MDR) em ergonomia foi elaborada para avaliar um conjunto de plataformas e revisitar o conceito de Modo Degradado de Funcionamento, quanto a segurança e confiabilidade operacional. Método: a MDR foi construída em quatro etapas e aplicada em 12 plataformas. Para cada uma, foram retraçados os processos históricos de seu modo de operação atual. Resultados: esta MDR permitiu revelar princípios gerais para sistematizar situações que devem melhorar e compreender processos amplos, que levaram ao acúmulo de condições ergonomicamente inadequadas, e recuperar parte da experiência acumulada pelas equipes embarcadas. A chave foi a preparação para os embarques, baseada na experiência dos ergonomistas e dos trabalhadores onshore e offshore. Conclusão: diagnósticos rápidos podem contribuir para reverter processos crônicos de degradação ao revelarem a visão geral das condições de vida e trabalho a bordo, as trajetórias singulares das plataformas e a contribuição positiva dos trabalhadores, colocando em debate mudanças e ações necessárias à inflexão de um dado percurso.

Abstract Introduction: offshore platforms face increasing maintenance demands with fixed amount of workforce. Over time, the progressive deterioration of installations can be evidenced leading companies to adopt distinguished strategies to recover operational integrity. Objective: to present the development of a Rapid Ergonomics Diagnostic Methodology (REDM) to evaluate a group of platforms and revisit the concept of degraded mode of operation regarding safety and operational reliability. Method: the REDM was built in 4 stages and applied in 12 platforms of the studied company. For each one, the historical processes of its current operating mode were retraced. Results: this REDM allowed revealing general principles to systematize situations that should be improved, understanding broad processes that led to the accumulation of ergonomically inadequate conditions and recovering part of the experience accumulated by the embarked teams. The key was the preparation for shipments based on the ergonomics team and workers experience, both, onshore and offshore. Conclusion: REDMs can help to reverse chronic degradation processes by providing an overview of on boardwork and living conditions, the platforms’ unique trajectories and the positive workers’ contribution, discussing changes and necessary actions for a given route inflection.

Self-Reported Recovery from 2-Week 12-Hour Shift Work Schedules: A 14-Day Follow-Up

BACKGROUND: Recovery from fatigue is important in maintaining night workers' health. This study compared the course of self-reported recovery after 2-week 12-hour schedules consisting of either night shifts or swing shifts (i.e., 7 night shifts followed by 7 day shifts) to such schedules consisting of only day work. METHODS: Sixty-one male offshore employeesd-20 night workers, 16 swing shift workers, and 25 day workersdrated six questions on fatigue (sleep quality, feeling rested, physical and mental fatigue, and energy levels; scale 1-11) for 14 days after an offshore tour. After the two night-work schedules, differences on the 1st day (main effects) and differences during the follow-up (interaction effects) were compared to day work with generalized estimating equations analysis. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounders, significant main effects were found for sleep quality for night workers (1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.89) and swing shift workers (1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.94) when compared to day workers; their interaction terms were not statistically significant. For the remaining fatigue outcomes, no statistically significant main or interaction effects were found. CONCLUSION: After 2-week 12-hour night and swing shifts, only the course for sleep quality differed from that of day work. Sleep quality was poorer for night and swing shift workers on the 1st day off and remained poorer for the 14-day follow-up. This showed that while working at night had no effect on feeling rested, tiredness, and energy levels, it had a relatively long-lasting effect on sleep quality.

Saúde e padrão de consumo do álcool em trabalhadores offshore / Health and Alcohol Consumption Patterns in Offshore Workers

O presente estudo teve como objetivos identificar o perfil sociodemográfico dos trabalhadores offshore; levantar questões relacionadas à saúde e hábitos de vida desses trabalhadores; descrever o padrão de consumo do álcool desses trabalhadores; analisar associação entre o perfil sócio demográfico e ocupacional relacionada ao padrão de consumo de álcool desses trabalhadores. Realizou-se um estudo quantitativo com abordagem seccional com 210 trabalhadores offshore, no qual embarcavam nos aeroportos de Jacarepaguá e Cabo Frio. Os indivíduos responderam a um questionário que continha questões sobre o perfil sociodemográfico; o trabalho profissional; a saúde e hábitos de vida; itens que avaliavam o estresse psicossocial no trabalho e o questionário AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). No software SPSS versão 19.0 foram realizadas analises univariadas e bivariadas, verificando a associação das variáveis sociodemográficas, ocupacional e de saúde com o consumo de álcool. A maioria dos trabalhadores eram do sexo masculino, na faixa etária até 32 anos, casados, com escolaridade até ensino médio e renda familiar entre 4 a 6 salários mínimos. Na estimativa dos padrões de consumo de álcool da população estudada, 79,5% dos sujeitos entrevistados faziam consumo de baixo risco, 11,9% faziam consumo de risco, 1,4% consumo nocivo e 0,5% foram classificados como prováveis dependentes de bebida alcoólica; Evidenciaram-se maiores chances de consumo abusivo (risco, nocivo e provável dependência) do álcool entre: Perfil sociodemográfico - entre aqueles que referiram não possuir religião e viver sem pareiro. Perfil ocupacional - entre aqueles que possuíam até 4 anos de tempo no trabalho offshore, entre os que tem alta demanda psicológica e baixo controle sobre o trabalho, entre aqueles que tem baixo apoio social no trabalho. Condição de saúde - entre os fumantes, entre aqueles com autopercepção de saúde regular/ruim, e entre pessoas que apresentaram absenteísmo acima de 1 dia. Portanto, é importante promover a saúde desses trabalhadores por meio de rastreamento precoce, formulação de estratégias, programas, vigilância e políticas de ações de promoção e prevenção à saúde do trabalhador associado ao consumo abusivo de bebidas alcoólicas, de forma a evitar o aumento do consumo e sua evolução para dependência, assim como, evitar maiores danos na vida do trabalhador relacionados ao consumo abusivo.(AU)

The origin and future of offshore medical schools in the caribbean / Origen y futuro de las escuelas de medicina offshore en el caribe

The Flexner Report of 1910 concluded that there were too many medical schools in the United States of America (USA). In the wake of this conclusion, Flexner recommended higher admission and graduation standards for medical schools, the expected impact being fewer medical schools and graduates. One unintended consequence of this recommendation was a male-only policy by some universities to accommodate the smaller numbers of males. There were privately owned medical schools, unaffiliated to any college or universities which were run primarily for profit. Degrees were usually obtained after only two years of study and laboratory and dissection exercises were not part of the training. The adoption of Flexner's recommendation resulted in medical education becoming more expensive; it also created opportunities for persons without the financial means or the matriculation requirements to find alternative training programmes among those "medical schools" which did not adopt Flexner's recommendations. This paper traces the further development of these "medical schools" to facilitate the need for more doctors in the context of global maldistribution of doctors which has resulted in many medically underserved areas, more so in developing countries (1).

El Reporte Flexner de 1910 concluyó que había demasiadas escuelas de medicina en los Estados Unidos de América (EE. UU.). Luego de esta conclusión, Flexner recomendó elevar los estándarespara el ingreso y la graduación en las escuelas de medicina, esperando que el impacto fuera menos escuelas de medicina y menos graduados. Una consecuencia imprevista de esta recomendación fue una política de permitir sólo a varones por parte de algunas universidades, y a la vez dar ingreso a un menor número de estudiantes varones. Hubo escuelas de medicina privadas - sin afiliación a ninguna facultad o universidad - organizadas fundamentalmente para confines lucrativos. Por lo general los títulos se obtenían después de sólo dos anos de estudio, sin que las prácticas de laboratorio, y los ejercicios de disección fueran parte del entrenamiento. La adopción de la recomendación de Flexner trajo como resultado que la educación médica se hiciera más costosa. Por otra parte, también creó oportunidades para que las personas sin recursos financieros o sin los requisitos para matricularse, encontraran programas alternativos de entrenamiento en las "escuelas médicas " qué no adoptaron las recomendaciones de Flexner. El presente trabajo examina el desarrollo ulterior seguido por estas "escuelas médicas " para hacer frente a la necesidad de más doctores en el contexto de la mala distribución global de doctores, que ha traído consigo la existencia de muchas áreas de insuficiente servicios médicos, particularmente en los países en desarrollo (1).

Discutindo e refletindo sobre a competência do enfermeiro offshore / Discussing and reflecting on the competence of nurses offshore / Discutindo y reflexionando sobre la competencia del enfermero offshore

Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, qualitativo, cujos objetivos foram identificar as competências exercidas pelos profissionais enfermeiros no trabalho offshore e discutí-las perante as competências gerais determinadas aos profissionais de saúde pelas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais. Os dados foram coletados de fevereiro a julho de 2011, através de entrevista semiestruturada com nove enfermeiros offshore de uma empresa nacional que terceiriza seus serviços à indústria petrolífera de empresas multinacionais em bacias hidrográficas brasileiras. As competências profissionais dos enfermeiros foram definidas no contexto de suas ações, atreladas ao assistir/cuidar, gerenciar/administrar e ensinar/orientar numa plataforma de petróleo offshore, num trabalho em equipe multiprofissional e com trabalhadores do ramo que exercem variadas e complexas atividades.

It is an exploratory study, qualitative, whose objectives were to identify the competence exercised by nurses in the work offshore and discuss them before competence to health professionals in the National Curriculum Guidelines. Data were collected from February to July 2011, through semi-structured interviews with nurses offshore at national company that outsources its services to the oil industry of multinational enterprises in Brazilian river basins. The professional competence of nurses were defined in the context of their actions, linked to the assist/care, manage/administer and teach/guide on offshore oil rig, a multidisciplinary team work and workers engaged in the business complex and varied activities.

Se trata de un estudio exploratorio, cualitativo, cuyos objetivos fueron era identificar las competencias ejercidas por los enfermeros en el trabajo offshore y discutirlas delante de las competencias generales determinadas a los profesionales de salud por las Directrices Curriculares Nacionales. Los datos fueron recolectados de febrero a julio de 2011, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas con nueve enfermeros offshore de una empresa nacional que subcontrata sus servicios a la industria petrolera de empresas multinacionales en cuencas brasileñas. Las competencias profesionales de los enfermeros fueron definidas en el contexto de sus acciones, vinculadas a la guardia/atención, gestionar/administrar y enseñar/guiar en una plataforma petrolera, en un equipo de trabajo multidisciplinario y con trabajadores que participan en las actividades de negocio complejas y variadas.

Características do ambiente de trabalho do enfermeiro em plataforma de petróleo offshore / Work environment of nurses on offshore oil rigs / Características del entorno de trabajo de las enfermeras en plataforma petrolera offshore

Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica com objetivo de conhecer as características do ambiente de trabalho do enfermeiro em plataforma de petróleo offshore. Buscou-se textos científicos que mencionavam este ambiente de trabalho offshore em seu título, resumo ou referencial teórico; disponíveis completos para leitura on line, em português ou inglês e publicados de 2000 a 2010. Foi realizada leitura analítica dos conteúdos de produções científicas de pós-graduação stricto sensu que descrevesse o ambiente de trabalho offshore. As características gerais descritas foram de um ambiente perigoso, complexo, coletivo, contínuo e em regime de confinamento, e que englobam os fatores principais - vibração, ruído, temperatura, e fatores secundários - relações humanas, apoio social, estabilidade, remuneração. Concluiu-se que, para o profissional de saúde promover ações que proporcionem segurança no ambiente de trabalho em cooperação com o serviço de segurança e saúde especializado da empresa, é preciso a elaboração de diagnóstico situacional do ambiente de trabalho.

This literature review aimed to discover the characteristics of the work environment of nurses on offshore oil rigs. We searched for scientific texts that mentioned this offshore work environment in their title, abstract or theoretical frame of reference, and were available in full format for reading online, written in Portuguese or English, and published from 2000 to 2010. Analytical reading of the content of postgraduate scientific productions found the general characteristics of the offshore work environment described as dangerous, complex, collective, continuous and confined, and including the main factors: vibration, noise and temperature; and the secondary factors: human relations, social support, stability and remuneration. It is concluded that in order for health professionals to promote actions to ensure workplace safety in cooperation with the firm’s specialized security and health care services, a situational diagnosis must be made of the work environment.

Revisión de la literatura con el fin de conocer las características del entorno de trabajo del enfermero en plataforma petrolera offshore. Se buscó textos científicos que mencionaban el ambiente de trabajo offshore en su título, resumen o referencial teórico, disponibles para lectura on line, en portugués o Inglés y publicados entre 2000 y 2010. Fue hecha lectura analítica de los contenidos de producciones científicas de postgrado stricto sensu que describían el ambiente de trabajo offshore. Las características generales descriptas fueron de un ambiente peligroso, complejo, colectivo, contínuo y en régimen de confinamiento, que abarcó los principales factores: vibración, ruido, temperatura, y factores secundarios: relaciones humanas, apoyo social, estabilidad, y remuneración. Se concluyó que el profesional de salud debe promover acciones que proporcionen seguridad laboral en cooperación con el servicio de seguridad y salud especializado de la empresa. Es necesaria la elaboración del diagnóstico de la situación del ambiente laboral.

Aspectos do regime de embarque, turnos e gestão do trabalho em plataformas offshore da Bacia de Campos (RJ) e sua relação com a saúde e a segurança dos trabalhadores / Scheduling, shifts, and work management in offshore platforms of Campos Basin (Rio de Janeiro) and their relationship with workers safety and health

O artigo aborda pesquisa desenvolvida na indústria petrolífera offshore da Baciade Campos (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil), campo empírico que acompanhamos de forma sistemática desde 2003 e que se situa no rol dos sistemas sociotécnicos complexos. Nosso objetivo é destacar os riscos potenciais associados à organização do trabalho, em especial o regime de embarque e o sistema de turnos adotados nas plataformas de petróleo por algumas das empresas atuantes na região. Isto porque entendemos que, no contexto investigado, os problemas relacionados à saúde aí inclusos os que se situam na esfera mental e à segurança dos trabalhadores possuem relação importante com aspectos da organização do trabalho, como aqueles que aqui se encontram em foco. Indicam-se proposições de mudança com o intuito de reduzir os impactos deletérios de tais fatores sobre a saúde e a segurança dos trabalhadores. A base teórico metodológica utilizada na pesquisa se fundamenta, principalmente, no instrumental da Ergonomia da Atividade e da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho, numa perspectiva ergológica.

This paper focuses on a research about offshore oil industry in the Campos Basin (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), an empirical we have followed up systematically since 2003, which can be classified as a complex socio-technical system. Our aim is to highlight the potential risks associated with work organization, mainly the schedule and shift systems adopted by some of the companies on oil platforms. We understand that in the investigated context, problems related to workers safety and health including mental health are related to aspects of work organization, as those we have focused in this paper. We propose changes that may reduce the deleterious impact of those factors on workers safety and health. The theoretical and methodological framework used in the research is based mainly on Ergonomics of Activity and Psychodynamics of Work, from an ergological perspective.

Knowledge and attitudes of students at a Caribbean offshore medical school towards sexually transmitted infections and use of condoms / Conocimientos y actitudes de estudiantes en una entidad de la llamada Caribbean offshore medical school en relación con las infecciones de transmisión sexual y el uso de condones

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections remain one of the predominant health issues that affect young adults. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, the attitudes and misconceptions of medical students at a Caribbean University towards STIs and condom use. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among medical students by employing semi-structured questionnaires. RESULTS: Out of 150 questionnaires, 130 were completed, showing a response rate of 87%. The ages of the respondents ranged from 19 to 45 years with a mean age of 26 (SD 5.2) years. The findings indicated that the knowledge of students concerning STIs is high (95.4%). Twenty-four (18.5%) of the respondents had experienced vaginal/penile discharge following sexual intercourse over the last 6 months. The correlation of beliefs in condom usage and risky behaviour gives an odds ratio of 0.19 indicating a lower use of condoms among the students. A negative attitude towards condom usage was seen in 3.8% of the respondents. The main reason for condom usage was to prevent unwanted pregnancy and not to prevent contracting sexually transmitted infections. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of students about STIs in this study was found to be high, however, risky behaviour such as having sexual intercourse with commercial sex-workers and regular unprotected sexual activities were identified although the prevalence of such behaviour was found to be low. We therefore recommend that behaviour modification programmes with regard to sex education and condom usage be implemented for the medical students as they are to be the future educators of the public on these matters.

ANTECEDENTES: Las infecciones de transmisión sexual siguen siendo uno de los problemas de salud predominantes que afectan a los adultos jóvenes. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y concepciones erróneas de estudiantes de medicina en una universidad caribeña hacia las ITS y el uso del condón. MÉTODO: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal entre los estudiantes de medicina empleando cuestionarios semiestructurados. RESULTADOS: De 150 cuestionarios, se completaron 130, para una tasa de respuesta de 87%. Las edades de los encuestados fluctuaron de 19 a 45 años con una edad promedio de 26 (SD 5.2) años. Los hallazgos indicaron que el conocimiento de los estudiantes acerca de las ITSs es alto: (95.4%). Veinticuatro (18.5%) de los encuestados habían experimentado descarga vaginal/uretral tras el acto sexual durante los últimos 6 meses. La correlación de creencias en el uso del condón y comportamiento de riesgo arrojó un cociente de probabilidades (odds ratio) de 0.19, lo que indica un uso menor de condones entre los estudiantes. En 3.8% de los encuestados se observó una actitud negativa hacia el uso del condón. La razón principal para el uso del condón era prevenir embarazos no deseados y no el evitar contraer infecciones de transmisión sexual. CONCLUSIÓN: Se halló que el conocimiento de estudiantes sobre las ITSs en este estudio fue alto. Sin embargo, se identificaron comportamientos de riesgo tales como el acto sexual con las trabajadoras del comercio sexual y las actividades sexuales regulares sin protección, aunque se halló que la prevalencia de estos tipos de comportamiento era baja. Por consiguiente, recomendamos que se pongan en práctica programas dirigidos a la modificación de conductas en relación con la educación sexual y el uso del condón para los estudiantes de medicina, ya que estos van a ser los futuros educadores del público en estos asuntos.