Psychosocial issues and sleep quality among seafarers: a mixed methods study

Area of Science:

• Maritime Health
• Occupational Psychology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Seafarers endure prolonged periods at sea, facing numerous social, psychological, and physical stressors, including irregular work schedules.
• The unique occupational demands place seafarers at high risk for adverse health outcomes affecting their overall well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical factors influencing the psychosocial well-being and sleep quality of Asian seafarers on long-voyage tankers.
• To explore the relationship between these factors and the overall safety and health of seafarers during extended voyages.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative semi-structured interviews with 17 Asian male seafarers and quantitative data from 179 seafarers using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
• Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure relevant insights into their experiences.

Main Results:

• Qualitative findings revealed three main categories: sleep abnormalities, inevitable stressors, and lack of social communication, with sleep quality affected by the work environment and family issues.
• Seafarers identified occupational nature and psychosocial work environment as primary stressors, while lack of social communication negatively impacted both onboard work and personal life.
• Quantitative data showed a mean PSQI score of 5.9, indicating impaired sleep quality, with significantly higher sleep impairment observed in academic compared to non-academic seafarers (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Sleep abnormalities and insufficient social communication represent significant, modifiable risk factors affecting seafarers' psychosocial well-being.
• Interventions targeting these areas are crucial for improving the health, safety, and quality of life for seafarers on long voyages.