Factors affecting health-promoting lifestyle profile in Iranian male seafarers working on tankers.

BACKGROUND: Seafaring is a risky occupation that is associated with a high incidence of lifestyle-related diseases. The present study was carried out to examine health promotion behaviour and its associated factors in seafarers of the National Iranian Tanker Company. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 200 Iranian male seafarers in 2015. A self-administered socio-demographic and Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) questionnaire was completed. One-way analysis of variance was used to identify significant differences among the various departments. The t-test was utilised to compare the HPLP-II scores according to the demographic variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between demographic variables and the overall HPLP-II score, in addition to the six health-promoting lifestyle subscale scores. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 35.93 ± 9.51 years. Most of the seafarers were categorised as having a moderate (32%) or good lifestyle (61.5%). The mean lifestyle score was 136.14 ± 19.90, with the subscale spiritual growth showing the highest score (26.16 ± 5.03) and the subscale exercise behaviour showing the lowest score (19.95 ± 4.23). The lowest score for nutrition was found among the seafarers working in the engine department (engine: 20.41 ± 4.50, deck: 23.52 ± 4.97, and galley: 24.83 ± 4.64) (p < 0.05). Working in the engine department was found to have a significant negative effect on the nutrition score (B = -3.57, p < 0.05). Moreover, educational level was found to have a significant positive effect on spiritual growth (B = 2.97, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that health-related issues in this occupation, especially workers in the engine room, are a matter of concern.

Pattern of some risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and liver enzymes among Iranian seafarers.

Background: Little information is available on the trend in cardiovascular risk factors and hepatic enzymes in Iranian seafarers. The present study aimed at assessing the pattern of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, elevated serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) in Iranian seafarers during 2010 to 2014. Methods: Data on cardiovascular risk factors and hepatic enzymes were extracted from seafarers' annual health examination of National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) of 2010, 2012, and 2014. The repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare continuous variables across 3 years. Categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Over weight was defined as BMI (Body Mass Index) >25 kg/m2; obesity was defined as BMI>=30 kg/m2; hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP)> 140 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)> 90 mmHg, or a history of antihypertensive drug use. Diabetes (DM) was defined as fasting blood sugar (FBS) > 110 mg/dl, or having a history of oral hypoglycemic agents; and elevated SGOT and SGPT were defined as SGOT > 40 U/L and SGPT > 40 U/L, respectively. Results: The BMI mean±SD values of Iranian seafarers were 24.81±3.07 kg/m2, 25.51±2.96 kg/m2, and 25.96 ± 3.02 kg/m2 in 2010, 2012, and 2014, respectively. A significant difference was observed in BMI over the study period. The mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not significantly increase over time. The SGOT and SGPT means were not significantly different from 2010 to 2014. The prevalence of overweight increased significantly from 46.7% to 60.9% over the study period; however, the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, elevated SGOT, and elevated SGPT did not change significantly. Conclusion: The current survey showed that the obesity problem has increased among Iranian seafarers working on tankers, which is a concerning problem because obesity has negative effects on seafarers' health.

Prevalence and associated factors of cardio-metabolic risk factors in Iranian seafarers.

BACKGROUND: Since Iran's economy is based on the sale of petroleum products, seafaring is considered a crucial job. Little research has been done on issues related to seafarers' health in Iranian maritime industry. The present study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of cardio-metabolic risk factors in seafarers of National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 234 Iranian male seafarers of NITC in 2015. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed according to the reports of National Committee of Obesity. Three main blood parameters (of elevated total cholesterol, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and general obesity were included as additional cardio-metabolic risk factors. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 36.0 ± 10.3 years. The prevalence of MetS was 14.9%. The common cardio-metabolic risk factors were excess weight (51.1%), abdominal obesity (38.5%), and smoking (27.8%) among Iranian seafarers. In multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09) and body mass index (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.27) were associated with the increase in hypertension risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding showed that the current prevalence of MetS among Iranian male seafarers working on tankers can affect negatively their health and career at sea.