Epidemiological Analysis of Otorhinolaryngologic Pathologies Among Seafarers: A Retrospective Study Based on C.I.R.M....

Background: Seafarers are exposed to a variety of occupational and environmental factors that may influence their individual risk of developing otorhinolaryngologic (Ear, Nose and Throat, ENT) conditions while at sea. Understanding the distribution of ENT-related health problems in this population may inform personalized approaches to prevention, early detection, and remote healthcare management. However, epidemiological information on ENT-related medical consultations among seafarers remains limited. This study aimed to describe the distribution of ENT conditions among seafarers receiving telemedicine assistance from Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (C.I.R.M.), providing insights for individualized healthcare strategies in maritime populations. We also compared demographic and occupational characteristics of ENT and non-ENT medical assistance cases. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using C.I.R.M. telemedical assistance records for seafarers who sought medical assistance between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025. Cases diagnosed with ENT conditions were identified and analyzed according to age, gender, nationality, occupational rank, worksite, vessel type, and diagnostic category. The frequency and distribution of ENT consultations were described using descriptive statistics. Comparisons between ENT and non-ENT cases were performed using Pearson's chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 17,897 telemedical-assisted cases were recorded during the study period, of which 751 (4.2%) involved ENT conditions. The most common ENT consultations were ear symptoms and inflammation (No. = 286, 38.0%) and tonsillopharyngitis (No. = 180, 24.0%). Among ENT cases, the largest proportion occurred among seafarers aged 30-39 years (39.3%), deck crew members (30.4%), personnel working in the deck department (48.7%), and non-European seafarers (50%). Significant differences were observed between ENT and non-ENT cases according to age group (χ² = 16.58, p = 0.001), occupational rank (χ² = 11.14, p = 0.025), and nationality (χ² = 82.76, p < 0.001). Conclusions: ENT conditions accounted for a small but noteworthy proportion of telemedical assistance cases among seafarers, with significant variations according to age, rank, and nationality. These findings highlight population subgroups with different healthcare needs and may contribute to more personalized preventive and telemedical strategies for seafarers.