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

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Maritime Medicine
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Seafaring is a high-stress profession linked to adverse health outcomes.
• Seafarers have high rates of overweight and obesity, increasing metabolic syndrome risk.
• Previous research indicates significant health challenges for maritime professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first longitudinal study on anthropometric changes in seafarers during continuous onboard service.
• To utilize the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) method for precise body composition measurements.
• To assess the health impact of prolonged maritime duty on seafarers' physical condition.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study design was employed.
• An observed group of 63 professional seafarers with 8-12 weeks of onboard service was monitored.
• A control group of 36 individuals from non-maritime occupations was included for comparison.
• Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) was used to measure anthropometric parameters.

Main Results:

• Croatian seafarers exhibit high rates of overweight (39.68%) and obesity (17.46%).
• Over 11 weeks of service, seafarers lost an average of 0.41 kg muscle mass.
• Concurrently, seafarers gained an average of 1.93 kg of total body fat during the same period.
• Significant anthropometric changes indicate a deterioration in seafarers' health status.

Conclusions:

• Seafarers' anthropometric status significantly deteriorates during extended periods of onboard service.
• The observed loss of muscle mass and increase in body fat suggest negative health implications.
• Findings underscore the need for targeted health interventions for seafarers to mitigate risks associated with their occupation.