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1.
Int Marit Health ; 75(1): 10-18, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38647055

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Philippines is the global maritime industry's single biggest source of seafarers. This article examines how the Philippines protects the welfare of its seafarers working on board ocean-going vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We employed a multi-method approach to better understand the POEA-SEC as a regulatory instrument. First, we analysed Philippine legislation and regulations that are shaping the employment, welfare, and working conditions of Filipino seafarers. Second, we examined the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Standard Employment Contract (POEA-SEC) which requires that minimum standards of employment for seafarers are met. We use legal analysis to examine three specific provisions that pertain to their well-being: duration of employment, monetary considerations, and working conditions in terms of hours of work and rest periods. Third, we analysed interview and focus group data on the experiences of Filipino seafarers on board ships in respect of the POEA-SEC's efficacy in protecting their well-being. RESULTS: Analysis of the policy environment for Filipino seafarers shows how the interests of powerful actors have taken precedence over those of Filipino seafarers. Seafarers' experiences suggest that they cannot be reached by the contract, whether symbolic or otherwise. The contract fails to address seafarer issues, such as security of tenure, excessive working hours resulting in fatigue, stress and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The POEA-SEC falls short as a legal document to address occupational, health and safety issues, which contribute to the detriment of seafarers' health and well-being. This indicates that the Philippine government cannot fully protect its seafarers.


Subject(s)
Employment , Naval Medicine , Occupational Health , Ships , Humans , Philippines , Ships/legislation & jurisprudence , Naval Medicine/legislation & jurisprudence , Employment/legislation & jurisprudence , Occupational Health/legislation & jurisprudence , Contracts/legislation & jurisprudence
2.
Int Marit Health ; 75(1): 1-9, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38647054

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to screen for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) complaints, to analyse the activity and to identify their risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional epidemiological study involved 903 men aged > 20 years and with a seniority > 2 years. It included a questionnaire and an ergonomic analysis of the activity. The questionnaire included: socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, health status and life habits, stress and items from the Nordic questionnaire. The observation of work situations required video recordings and the use of three methods: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and the Gesture Tracking and Assessment Tool (Outil de Repérage et d'Évaluation des Gestes: OREGE). RESULTS: The prevalence of MSDs was 61.9%. It was significantly higher among deckhands than among other professionals (65.6% vs 27.4%; p < 0.001) and in seasonal workers than in permanent workers (67.8% vs 43.1%; p < 0.001). A positive correlation was noted between MSDs and daily work duration. Stress was an aggravating factor, whereas leisure activities were protective. The prevalence of MSDs was 40.5% (lower back), 40.4% (wrist/hand joints), 34.6% (neck) and 31.7% (shoulders). The ergonomic analysis of the workstation was performed on a deckhand who unloaded the fish crates out of the hold of a trawler. OSHA score = 12 (normal < 5); significant risk of upper limb MSD. RULA total score = 7 (acceptable between 1 and 2); immediate modification. OREGE scores evaluating effort, repetitiveness and joint positions indicate that the actions were not recommended or to be avoided. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis made it possible to evaluate the difficulty of the job and to note a high risk of MSDs requiring ergonomic and organizational improvements.


Subject(s)
Ergonomics , Musculoskeletal Diseases , Occupational Diseases , Humans , Male , Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology , Musculoskeletal Diseases/etiology , Adult , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Occupational Diseases/etiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Prevalence , Fisheries , Surveys and Questionnaires , Naval Medicine , Young Adult
3.
Int Marit Health ; 75(1): 55-60, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38647060

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, people started to travel again. Each year, thousands of Poles travel internationally, and many travel to tropical or subtropical destinations in Asia, Africa or South America. The aim of this article was to describe the characteristics of Polish travellers based on the information from a retrospective 12-month review of the medical records of Polish patients seeking pre-travel advice at the largest diagnostic and treatment travel medicine centre in Poland in 2023. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective study was based on the analysis of medical records of 2,147 patients seeking pre-travel advice at the University Centre of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Poland, between January and December 2023. The study focused on the analysis of the following patients' variables: age, sex, travel details (purpose of travel, length of travel, departure month, continents and countries to be visited). It also aimed to evaluate the range of prevention measures which were either recommended or administered to patients seeking pre-travel advice at the clinic (preventive vaccinations, chemoprophylaxis). In addition, it assessed the health status of the patients presenting at the travel medicine clinic; retrospective health assessments were based on the information from the interviews with the patients. RESULTS: Patients who sought pre-travel advice were mostly aged 36-65 years (49.5%), they were travelling for tourism purposes (78.3%), for a maximum period of 4 weeks (79.0%), mostly in November (15.2%) or in January (14.9%). Most travellers planned to visit Asia (55.5%) or Africa (29.0%); mainly Thailand (21.5%), Vietnam (8.5%), Kenya (8.3%) or India (8.2%). The most frequently administered immunoprophylaxis included vaccinations against typhoid fever and hepatitis A. Other commonly recommended/prescribed prevention measures included: insect repellents (69.3%), sunscreen (58.3%), antimalarials (35.8%), antithrombotic drugs (32.6%), and antidiarrheal drugs (25.6%). The analysis of patient interviews demonstrated that 61.8% of the travellers consulted at the clinic had no pre-existing medical conditions, while 38.2% required the use of chronic medications, mainly for allergies (14.3%), thyroid disorders (13.6%), cardiovascular diseases (9.3%), or psychiatric disorders (5.5%). CONCLUSIONS: A large number of Polish travellers visit destinations where the risk of infectious and non-infectious diseases is high. Providing patients with professional advice during a pre-travel consultation will help protect against travel-associated health problems.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Travel , Humans , Poland , Male , Retrospective Studies , Female , Middle Aged , Adult , Travel/statistics & numerical data , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/epidemiology , Aged , Young Adult , Adolescent , Tropical Medicine , Travel Medicine/methods , Naval Medicine , SARS-CoV-2
4.
Int Marit Health ; 75(1): 19-28, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38647056

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Seafarers are at increased risk of diabetes due to their lifestyle and working conditions on board ships. There is, however, limited evidence regarding the magnitude of diabetes and its risk factors. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported diabetes among seafarers on board ships and identify risk factors associated with it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted among seafarers aboard ships between November and December 2022. The study enrolled a total of 4,500 seafarers aged 18 and older. Data were collected using anonymous, standardized questionnaires. The association between the outcome variable and the independent variables was assessed using binary logistic regression models. RESULTS: In total, 2,986 participants were included in the study. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes among seafarers was found to be 8.2% (95% CI: 7.2-9.2). Self-reported diabetes prevalence among officers and non-officers was 7% and 9%, respectively. The mean age of study participants was 37.96 ± 10.22, while the mean age of participants with diabetes was 47.5 ± 9.46. Independent predictors of self-reported diabetes mellitus were age (51+ years) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46-8.95], rank (non-officer) [AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.14-2.40], worksites (engine) (AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.19-3.77), work experience (10-20 years) (AOR: 4.66, 95% CI: 2.33-10.05), work experience (21+ years) (AOR: 5.01, 95% CI: 2.32-11.55), working hours per week (57-70 hours) (AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08-2.31), working hours per week (71+ hours) (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.17-2.80), self-reported hypertension (AOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.03-1.99), overweight (AOR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.24-2.47), and obesity (AOR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.84-4.65). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that one in twelve seafarers between the ages of 19 and 70 have self-reported diabetes. The present study identified significant risk factors associated with diabetes. Risk factor mitigation strategies aimed at high-risk groups should be implemented on board ships.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Naval Medicine , Self Report , Ships , Humans , Adult , Middle Aged , Male , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Prevalence , Naval Medicine/statistics & numerical data , Young Adult , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
5.
Int Marit Health ; 75(1): 64-78, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38647062
6.
Int Marit Health ; 74(4): 243-252, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38111244

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Seafarers, confronted with unique health challenges, occasionally necessitate medical repatriation. This study examines the trends in medical repatriation cases among Filipino seafarers employed by OSM Maritime shipping company over a 10-year period from 2013 to 2022. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of OSM Maritime seafarers were reviewed, obtaining causes for and dates of medical repatriation. International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) was utilised to classify repatriation cases. Proportion of repatriation cases were calculated and their annual trends were analysed. RESULTS: Our findings reveal that the majority of repatriation cases are attributed to injury/trauma (19.91%), musculoskeletal (18.40%), gastrointestinal (16.56%), cardiovascular (8.77%), infectious (6.82%), and genitourinary conditions (5.30%). Significantly, the study identifies a declining trend in the proportion of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary conditions in annual repatriation cases, particularly in ischaemic heart conditions, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and urinary calculus. CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the critical need for multisectoral collaboration to enhance seafarers' health and well-being. Prioritizing comprehensive care programmes, ensuring safe working conditions, and exploring holistic healthcare initiatives are essential steps to enhance seafarers' occupational health.


Subject(s)
Naval Medicine , Occupational Health , Humans , Philippines , Ships , Oncostatin M
7.
Int Marit Health ; 74(3): 143-152, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37781939

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Seafaring is a demanding profession that exposes individuals to unique health risks and challenges. This study investigates risk classification patterns among seafarers who underwent physical and medical examination at the Nordic Medical Clinic, a pre-employment clinic in the Philippines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis involved data obtained from medical records, including demographic information, diagnoses, medical risk classification, corresponding management, and occupational details. medical risk classification, based on guidelines from the Philippine Department of Labour and Employment, categorised fit to work seafarers into risk class A, B, or C. Descriptive statistics and statistical tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05, were utilised for data analysis using R Studio (version 4.2.3). RESULTS: The study population consisted of 11,831 seafarers seen at the Nordic Medical Clinic between 2018 and 2022. The results revealed a significant proportion of seafarers falling into higher risk classifications, with risk class C being the most prevalent at 48.16%. Pre-employment medical examinations (PEME) to fit to work duration demonstrated a significant association with risk classification, revealing that lower-risk classes had shorter fit-to-work times compared to higher-risk classes. Moreover, risk classification exhibited uneven distribution across specific demographic and occupational characteristics, with older seafarers, males, married individuals, and those in higher-ranking positions having a higher proportion of risk class C. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the need for comprehensive and customised pre-boarding medical screening standards for seafarers based on factors such as their specific role, vessel type, voyage, contract length, and work location. Moreover, health implementation of health promotion and preventive strategies that are based on the specific occupational and demographic needs of the seafarers are needed.


Subject(s)
Naval Medicine , Male , Humans , Naval Medicine/methods , Philippines , Employment , Workplace , Physical Examination , Ships
8.
Int Marit Health ; 74(3): 153-160, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37781940

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. It is a major risk factor for major cardiovascular events such as stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, kidney failure, and blindness. The aim of this research is to assess the prevalence and some factors related to arterial hypertension on Vietnamese seafarers aboard merchant vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven hundred eight Vietnamese seafarers working aboard merchant ships were examined at the Institute of Marine Medicine before going to sea during the period from January 2022 to December 2022. It was a cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study. The following parameters were measured: blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, buttock circumference to assess the prevalence of hypertension, overweight, and obesity. Seafarers we directly interviewed about workplace on ships and physical exercise, smoking tobacco, alcohol abuse, and anxiety symptoms to identify several factors associated with hypertension. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension in seafarers was 32.9%, prehypertension 26.4%, overweight 32.4%, obesity 13.3%, abdominal obesity 47.7%. Factors related to hypertension of seafarers included: job duration at sea > 10 years, odds ratio (OR) = 8.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.34-17.27); non-officers, OR = 2.11 (95% CI 1.45-2.82); engine room crew, OR = 2.11 (95% CI 1.45-3.58); obesity, OR = 3.34 (95% CI 2.15-5.63); abdominal obesity, OR = 9.12 (95% CI 4.23-18.45); current smoking, OR = 1.32 (95% CI 1.02-1.99); irregular exercise, OR =1.43 (95% CI 1.03-2.18); anxiety symptoms, OR = 1.56 (95% CI 1.08-2.27). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension is a health problem for Vietnamese seafarers. To minimise hypertension, seafarers need to adjust their lifestyle, increase regular exercise and improve psychological issues on board.


Subject(s)
Hypertension , Naval Medicine , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Overweight/epidemiology , Prevalence , Obesity, Abdominal , Southeast Asian People , Ships , Hypertension/epidemiology , Obesity/epidemiology
9.
Int Marit Health ; 74(3): 161-170, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37781941

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is a limited number of studies on the medical repatriation of seafarers. The aim of the study was to follow up on the previous 2010-2014 study using data from 2015-2019 to evaluate the epidemiology of medical repatriation among Filipino seafarers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from medical repatriation records of Filipino seafarers from January 2015 to December 2019 were collected from various claims departments of different manning agencies in Manila, Philippines. RESULTS: Data from a total of 6,526 medical repatriation cases and 464,418 deployments in a 5-year period resulted in a medical repatriation rate calculated at 1.4%. We used the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) to determine the most common causes of repatriation. We found that these were musculoskeletal disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and traumatic injuries. The distribution of the specific illnesses per organ system is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Filipinos continue to represent the most numerous group of seafarers in the world. The continued profiling of health issues should lead to better health protocols and controlling medical costs. It should also lead to better prioritisation of health protection and care on board ships. Within the present 10-year database of medical repatriations coinciding with the implementation of Maritime Convention Labour Convention 2006, there is a compelling need to compare the two data sets to have an objective evaluation of the convention's projected goals.


Subject(s)
Naval Medicine , Ships , Humans , Follow-Up Studies , Philippines , Asian People
10.
Sanid. mil ; 79(2): 82-90, jun. 2023. tab, graf, ilus
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-EMG-593

ABSTRACT

Introducción: El buque escuela Juan Sebastián de Elcano es un bergantín-goleta de la Armada. Debido a sus características y tipo de navegaciones, la asistencia sanitaria (prestada por un Role 1 embarcado y, puntualmente, por un equipo quirúrgico compuesto por un oficial médico cirujano general y un oficial médico anestesiólogo), está considerada un recurso esencial. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo sobre las atenciones médicas realizadas a bordo agrupadas por especialidad, pruebas médicas complementarias, consumo de hemoderivados, motivo de asistencia médica en puerto, número de evacuaciones hasta territorio nacional y tipo de consultas realizadas por telemedicina al Role 4 durante doce cruceros de navegación entre 2010 y 2020. Resultados: Las asistencias sanitarias más prevalentes han sido: traumatológicas (n=1.982, 22.04 %), seguidas de otorrinolaringológicas (n=1.234, 13,72 %) y finalmente la tercera especialidad con consultas más prevalentes fue medicina interna (n=1.125, 12,50 %). Se llevaron a cabo 112 interconsultas en puerto (primera causa odontología y segunda traumatología) y 24 evacuaciones a territorio nacional. Las pruebas complementarias más frecuentemente solicitadas fueron: control de estupefacientes y radiografías. Se realizaron 37 consultas de telemedicina y no se transfundió ninguna unidad de hemocomponentes durante el periodo analizado. Conclusiones: El estudio de la asistencia sanitaria en el buque escuela de la Armada ha revelado que la traumatología es la causa más prevalente de las consultas a bordo, seguida de las interconsultas en puerto, las consultas por telemedicina y evacuaciones en territorio nacional. Gracias a la labor de la Sanidad Militar a bordo es posible la función marinera, docente y embajadora en los mares. (AU)


Overview: Juan Sebastián de Elcano training ship is a brigantine-school of the Spanish Navy. Due to its characteristics and navigation type, health care (provided by a Role 1 on-board and occasionally enhanced by a surgical team that includes a general surgeon medical officer and an anesthesiologist medical officer), is considered an essential resource. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of medical care provided on board, grouped by medical specialty, complementary tests, blood products consumption, reason of medical assistance in port, number of evacuations to national territory and type of consultations performed by telemedicine to Role 4 during twelve sailing cruises between 2010 and 2020. Results: The most prevalent healthcare services were traumatology (n=1.982, 22.04%), followed by otorhinolaryngology (n=1.234, 13.72%) and the third was internal medicine (n=1.125, 12.50%). 112 internal medicine consultations were conducted in port (dental first and traumatology second) and 24 evacuations to national territory. The most often requested complementary tests were drug control and X-rays. There were 37 telemedicine consultations and no unit of blood components were transfused during the analyzed period. Conclusions: The study of health care on the navy training ship has shown that traumatology is the most frequent cause of medical consultations on board, followed by internal medicine consultations in port, telemedicine consultations and evacuations to national territory. Thanks to the work of the Military Health on board, it is possible to sail, teach and be ambassador on the seas. (AU)


Subject(s)
Naval Medicine , Medical Care , Surgical Equipment , Retrospective Studies
11.
Sanid. mil ; 79(2): 82-90, jun. 2023. tab, graf, ilus
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-230410

ABSTRACT

Introducción: El buque escuela Juan Sebastián de Elcano es un bergantín-goleta de la Armada. Debido a sus características y tipo de navegaciones, la asistencia sanitaria (prestada por un Role 1 embarcado y, puntualmente, por un equipo quirúrgico compuesto por un oficial médico cirujano general y un oficial médico anestesiólogo), está considerada un recurso esencial. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo sobre las atenciones médicas realizadas a bordo agrupadas por especialidad, pruebas médicas complementarias, consumo de hemoderivados, motivo de asistencia médica en puerto, número de evacuaciones hasta territorio nacional y tipo de consultas realizadas por telemedicina al Role 4 durante doce cruceros de navegación entre 2010 y 2020. Resultados: Las asistencias sanitarias más prevalentes han sido: traumatológicas (n=1.982, 22.04 %), seguidas de otorrinolaringológicas (n=1.234, 13,72 %) y finalmente la tercera especialidad con consultas más prevalentes fue medicina interna (n=1.125, 12,50 %). Se llevaron a cabo 112 interconsultas en puerto (primera causa odontología y segunda traumatología) y 24 evacuaciones a territorio nacional. Las pruebas complementarias más frecuentemente solicitadas fueron: control de estupefacientes y radiografías. Se realizaron 37 consultas de telemedicina y no se transfundió ninguna unidad de hemocomponentes durante el periodo analizado. Conclusiones: El estudio de la asistencia sanitaria en el buque escuela de la Armada ha revelado que la traumatología es la causa más prevalente de las consultas a bordo, seguida de las interconsultas en puerto, las consultas por telemedicina y evacuaciones en territorio nacional. Gracias a la labor de la Sanidad Militar a bordo es posible la función marinera, docente y embajadora en los mares. (AU)


Overview: Juan Sebastián de Elcano training ship is a brigantine-school of the Spanish Navy. Due to its characteristics and navigation type, health care (provided by a Role 1 on-board and occasionally enhanced by a surgical team that includes a general surgeon medical officer and an anesthesiologist medical officer), is considered an essential resource. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of medical care provided on board, grouped by medical specialty, complementary tests, blood products consumption, reason of medical assistance in port, number of evacuations to national territory and type of consultations performed by telemedicine to Role 4 during twelve sailing cruises between 2010 and 2020. Results: The most prevalent healthcare services were traumatology (n=1.982, 22.04%), followed by otorhinolaryngology (n=1.234, 13.72%) and the third was internal medicine (n=1.125, 12.50%). 112 internal medicine consultations were conducted in port (dental first and traumatology second) and 24 evacuations to national territory. The most often requested complementary tests were drug control and X-rays. There were 37 telemedicine consultations and no unit of blood components were transfused during the analyzed period. Conclusions: The study of health care on the navy training ship has shown that traumatology is the most frequent cause of medical consultations on board, followed by internal medicine consultations in port, telemedicine consultations and evacuations to national territory. Thanks to the work of the Military Health on board, it is possible to sail, teach and be ambassador on the seas. (AU)


Subject(s)
Naval Medicine , Medical Care , Surgical Equipment , Retrospective Studies
12.
Int Marit Health ; 74(1): 15-23, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36974489

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Medical emergencies and on-going medical conditions on board may seriously impair seafarers' health and safety, and also negatively impact on future work prospects for seafarers. When a seafarer gets ill or injured on a ship, medical treatment often relies on the competences on his colleagues on board. The aim of this project was to establish a consensus-based minimum standard for medical education for seafarers, in order to ensure competency for adequate management of ill-health on board. MATERIALS AND METHODS: International Maritime Health Foundation (IMHF) conducted a workshop on medical training of seafarers. A research-based approach to gain consensus on core learning outcomes/competences developed by the Tuning Project, has been used. This method was used by Tuning (Medicine) to gain consensus on core learning outcomes for primary medical degrees (Master of Medicine) across Europe. RESULTS: The result of the project is a set of learning outcomes/competences in medical training for merchant seafarers. CONCLUSIONS: The project resulted in a set of learning outcomes/competences on medical training of the seafarers that will be submitted to the relevant bodies of International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the process of the development of model courses 1.13, 1.14 and 1.15.


Subject(s)
Naval Medicine , Humans , Ships , Europe
13.
Int Marit Health ; 74(1): 45-53, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36974492

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Seafarers, whether on cargo, fishery, or naval ships, may be exposed to unique and unusual psychological demands related to the often isolated, confined, and extreme environments associated with ocean-going vessels. This necessitates optimal psychological adaptation to maintain individual well-being during the mission and afterwards. This study set out to explore whether psychometric measures could predict psychological adaptation of seafarers, specifically navy sailors, during and after maritime operations. It used emotional regulation as marker of adaptation, and examined the role of psychometric measures of dispositional resilience and emotional regulation to predict psychological adaptation at subsequent time-points. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 168 sailors completed the Brief Sailor Resiliency Scale, Dispositional Resilience Scale 15, and Mental Toughness Questionnaire 18 prior to departing for sea, as well as the Brunel Mood Scale at 5 time points over a 12-month operational cycle. RESULTS: Higher resilience scores were consistently associated with more adaptive emotional regulation. Multiple linear regressions indicated that the Brief Sailor Resiliency Scale predicted emotional regulation over the shorter term, while the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 18 predicted emotional regulation over the longer term. Further, mid-mission emotional regulation also predicted emotional regulation at the end of deployments. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support several practical applications. Firstly, formal organizational initiatives to promote resilience could be useful to enhance adaptation during and after missions. Secondly, measuring seafarers' dispositional resilience could allow the streaming of vulnerable individuals towards appropriate mental health support services. Thirdly, past indicators of adaptation could be useful to enhance decision- making regarding subsequent utilisation. This may be applicable to seafarers in both naval services and commercial shipping, and to personnel in remote weather stations or other isolated and inaccessible research facilities.


Subject(s)
Military Personnel , Naval Medicine , Humans , Ships , Surveys and Questionnaires , Personality , Adaptation, Psychological
15.
Int Marit Health ; 74(1): 72-73, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36974496
16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36901506

ABSTRACT

Seafaring is considered one of the most stressful professions. Stressors in seafaring lead to typical symptoms of stress, such as insomnia, loss of concentration, anxiety, lower tolerance of frustration, changes in eating habits, psychosomatic symptoms and diseases, and overall reduced productivity, with the possibility of burnout and chronic responsibility syndrome. It has been previously determined that seafarers belong to high-risk occupations in terms of developing metabolic syndrome, and according to their BMIs, almost 50% of all seafarers belong to the overweight and obesity categories. This is the first longitudinal study conducted with the aim of using the BIA method to determine the anthropometrical changes that occur during several weeks of continuous onboard service. This study included an observed group consisting of 63 professional seafarers with 8 to 12 weeks of continuous onboard service and a control group of 36 respondents from unrelated occupations. It was determined that Croatian seafarers fit into the current world trends regarding overweight and obesity among the seafaring population, with the following percentages in the BMI categories: underweight, 0%; normal weight, 42.86%; overweight, 39.68%; and obesity, 17.46%. It was established that the anthropometric statuses of the seafarers significantly changed during several weeks of continuous onboard service. Seafarers who served on board for 11 weeks lost 0.41 kg of muscle mass, whereas their total fat mass increased by 1.93 kg. Changes in anthropometric parameters could indicate deterioration of seafarers' health statuses.


Subject(s)
Metabolic Syndrome , Naval Medicine , Humans , Ships , Overweight , Longitudinal Studies , Obesity/epidemiology , Metabolic Syndrome/epidemiology
17.
Hist Sci ; 61(1): 40-59, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33153328

ABSTRACT

Eighteenth-century naval ships were impressive infrastructures, but subjected to extraordinary strain. To assist with their "voyage repairs," the Royal Navy gradually established numerous overseas bases, displaying the power, reach, and ruthless logistical efficiency of the British state. This article, however, is concerned with what happened where no such bases (yet) existed, in parts of the world falling in between areas of direct British administration, control, or influence. The specific restrictions imposed by technology and infrastructures have been studied by historians interested in naval strategy, but they can also help to reframe national narratives of power or observe the transnational interactions surrounding access to knowledge and resources. This paper discusses the material, cultural, and diplomatic constraints that could appear when vessels, and especially "discovery ships," sailed in strange waters or sought technical assistance in allied ports. I argue that the "mortification" of some commanders at their vessels' unfitness for service was an important - and often neglected - element on the palette of emotions undergone by voyagers, capturing their strong sense of ultimate material powerlessness. Such frustration even became embedded in imperial cartography, as shown by the case study of Matthew Flinders. This perspective highlights the limits of naval technology, complicating imperialistic "success stories" and better reintegrating the navy into the history of maritime travel and transportation, from which it is often singled out.


Subject(s)
Naval Medicine , Naval Medicine/history , Ships/history , Travel , Accidental Falls
18.
Telemed J E Health ; 29(4): 569-575, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36040395

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The French Tele-Medical Assistance Service (TMAS) provides medical teleconsultation for any ship at sea. At the end of the consultation, the doctor decides whether the problem can be taken care of onboard or not. In this study, we determined the factors associated with the decision for disembarkation or evacuation in case of wounds. Methods: We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study between 2011 and 2019 from consultations with the French TMAS. The inclusion criterion was the presence of an acute wound. Results: One thousand six patients (n = 1,006) were analyzed and 586 (58%) patients were disembarked or evacuated. Factors associated with disembarkation or evacuation are wound characteristics (severity and location), the onboard staff's medical training, the availability of photography, and the ship's location. Wound severity is a risk factor for disembarkation or evacuation. The availability of photography, staff with advanced training, and being at >1 day of navigation from a harbor are protective factors against being disembarked or evacuated. Conclusion: The added value of photography and an update of medium medical training could increase the number of wounds taken care of onboard.


Subject(s)
Naval Medicine , Remote Consultation , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Photography
19.
Int Marit Health ; 73(4): 181-188, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36583405

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The third edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships (IMGS) was published in 2007 and supported a main principle of the newly adopted International Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006: to ensure that seafarers are given health protection and medical care as comparable as possible to that which is available to workers ashore. In 2021, the revisions and drafting of the fourth edition of the IMGS began. Taking the COVID-19 pandemic into consideration, it was decided that a stakeholder study was necessary to ascertain the usefulness and practicality of the guide as well as provide input for which new topics to include. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study applied data triangulation, with respondents from a geographically broad sample of the International Maritime Organization's five regional areas of the world. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The results show that the IMGS is widely known and used among persons involved in medical care on board ships, but the IMGS is not as practical as stakeholders would wish it to be. For the guide to be useful, it must be ensured that telemedical advice information is included and if possible, ensure there is one single and global medical guide. Also, there is a need for new medical information, and respondents pointed to pandemic information, medicines list, medical chest, mental health issues, a women's section, updated cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions, human immune defect virus information (human immune defect-virus) and information on how seafarers may self-monitor and be monitored on board in relation to chronic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents understand a medicine chest on board is mandatory according to the MLC 2006, 98% are familiar with its content, and 86% use the IMGS.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Naval Medicine , Occupational Health , Humans , Female , Ships , Pandemics
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