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Hospitalisations among seafarers on merchant ships
H L Hansen1, F Tüchsen, H Hannerz
1Medical Office of Health, Vejle County, Denmark. hlhansen@dadlnet.dk
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|February 23, 2005
Summary
Merchant navy seafarers show high morbidity from lifestyle-related diseases and injuries, indicating a need for preventive measures despite pre-employment health screenings. This study highlights significant health disparities within this working group.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Maritime Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Seafarers face unique occupational and lifestyle exposures.
- Understanding work-related and lifestyle-induced morbidity is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate morbidity patterns among active merchant navy seafarers.
- To identify work- and lifestyle-related health issues for preventive strategies.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of Danish merchant seafarers from 1995 was identified via the Danish Maritime Authority register.
- Hospitalization data from the National In-patient Register were linked.
- Standardized hospitalization ratios (SHRs) were calculated against the general employed population.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in SHRs were observed across seafarer subgroups based on rank and ship type.
- Elevated SHRs for lifestyle-related diseases were noted, contrasting with lower rates for acute conditions possibly due to referral bias.
- Higher SHRs for injury and poisoning were found, particularly among ratings and officers on smaller vessels.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of seafarers exhibit poor health, likely linked to lifestyle factors, despite health selection processes.
- Subgroups with high hospitalization risk for lifestyle diseases also showed increased risk for injury and poisoning.
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