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Longitudinal Study on the Effect of Onboard Service on Seafarers’ Health Statuses

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Russo

    (Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 37, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Rosanda Mulić

    (Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 37, 21000 Split, Croatia
    School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Ivana Kolčić

    (School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Matko Maleš

    (Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 37, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Iris Jerončić Tomić

    (School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Luka Pezelj

    (Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 37, 21000 Split, Croatia)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Russo & Rosanda Mulić & Ivana Kolčić & Matko Maleš & Iris Jerončić Tomić & Luka Pezelj, 2023. "Longitudinal Study on the Effect of Onboard Service on Seafarers’ Health Statuses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4497-:d:1086509
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fiona Kerkamm & Dorothee Dengler & Matthias Eichler & Danuta Materzok-Köppen & Lukas Belz & Felix Alexander Neumann & Birgit Christiane Zyriax & Volker Harth & Marcus Oldenburg, 2021. "Measurement Methods of Fatigue, Sleepiness, and Sleep Behaviour Aboard Ships: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-20, December.
    2. Jae-hee Kim & Soong-nang Jang, 2018. "Seafarers’ Quality of Life: Organizational Culture, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Fatigue," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-11, September.
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