Occupational risk perception, stressors and stress of fishermen

Abstract

Background: The aim of this survey was to assess the stress in fishermen by analysing its relationship with sociodemographic and professional characteristics, by evaluating work stressors, and by estimating psychosomatic symptoms. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey involved representative sample of 828 artisanal and coastal fishermen. All participants were men and had a regular activity for at least 2 years. We used an individual questionnaire inspired by those of the National Institute for Research and Security of France and of the Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of self-reported stress was 53.9%. The average age was 36.7 ± 8.7 years, it was higher among stressed than non-stressed. The prevalence of stress was higher in subjects with dependents (69.1%) versus 30.9% without dependents, and among those living alone (61%) versus 47.5% among those living in couple. The prevalence of harmful habits was 68.5% for tobacco smoking or snuff, 36.8% for cannabis smoking, 35.4% for alcohol consumption, 8.6% for other psychotropic substances and medications, and 21.4% for antalgic drugs. These toxic habits were significantly higher in stressed individuals. Thirty-three point seven per cent had self-reported chronic pathologies (40.5% among stressed vs. 25.7% non-stressed). Thirty-four per cent were overweight (38.3% among stressed vs. 28.8% non-stressed), and 14% obese (19.3% among stressed vs. 7.6% non-stressed). The average daily working hours were 11.2 h (12.8 h among stressed subjects vs. 10.5 h non-stressed). Psychological demand was higher in stressed subjects, while decisional latitude and social support were lower. Psychosomatic symptoms were higher among stressed than non-stressed. The main suggestions of the fishermen were to improve income, social welfare, health insurance, safety on board, quality of lifestyle, sport and leisure activities, information and awareness campaigns of occupational stress, and fight against addictive behaviours. Conclusions: Fishermen were at a high risk of chronic stress with its health consequences. Health promotion and education initiatives should be conducted to raise fishermen's awareness of the dangers of occupational stressors.

Prevalence of alcohol consumption among seafarers and fishermen

“…They claimed that fishermen compensate a decrease in alertness and an increase in fatigue through the consumption of substances such as alcohol. This consumption increases among fishermen with stress as compared to those without stress [10]. In contrast, Slišković and Penezić [15] found that stress on board was mainly related to a lack of sleep and an unhealthy diet, two factors that cannot be directly influenced by the seafarers [15].…”

“…The investigation of alcohol consumption in connection with stress did not reveal a clear tendency, based on the results in two of 3 studies. Only Laraqui et al [10] showed a significant association between alcohol consumption and stress. They claimed that fishermen compensate a decrease in alertness and an increase in fatigue through the consumption of substances such as alcohol.…”

“…Four of the 13 studies were conducted in Morocco, 2 studies in India, 1 study each was investigated in France, Croatia, Greece, Denmark, the Seychelles and the Philippines and 1 study was carried out anonymously. Eight of the 13 studies were conducted among fishermen [5,6,8,[10][11][12][13][14] and 5 among seafarers [15][16][17][18][19].…”

“…The prevalence of alcohol consumption among seamen showed a wide range from 11.5% to 89.5% (median 53.0%) [5,6,8,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17], with differences in respect of the occupational group; fishermen ranged from 35.4% to 89.5% (median 47.7%) vs. seafarers from 11.5% to 79.4% (median 58.5%). With an overall prevalence of alcohol consumption among seafarers of only 11.5%, the study by Mahdi et al [18] was significantly different from other studies.…”

“…Concerning the perceived stress level on board, Laraqui et al [10] described a higher prevalence of alcohol consumption in the self-reported stress group than in the non-self-reported stress group (41.9% vs. 27.2%; p < 0.001). Sliškivić and Penezić [15] showed no correlation between stress on board and drinking behaviour, regardless of whether the seafarer stayed at sea (r = -0.02), or ashore (r = -0.08).…”