Psychoactive substances consumption in French fishermen and merchant seamen

Abstract

Alcohol and tobacco consumption are a major public health problem for seafarers. Fishermen seem to be more liable to high consumption. Working conditions may explain these differences.

Consumption of addictive substances in mariners

“…Sixteen articles studying addictions amongst seafarers were selected: 15 cross-sectional descriptive studies and 1 cohort study (Table 1) [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. Two studies measured urinary markers [13,14].…”

“…Four articles used the criteria of hazardous drinking as defined by World Health Organisation (WHO). Prevalence varied 8.8-22% (Table 1) [19,20,24,25]. [24] showed that the prevalence of hazardous drinking was higher among fishermen than among merchant seamen: respectively 18.6% vs. 8% [24].…”

“…Fort et al [24] showed that 45.2% of the sailors had used cannabis at least once in their lives. This prevalence was higher among merchant seamen than among fishermen: 48.1% vs. 40.5%.…”

Consumo de álcool entre pescadores: uma revisão integrativa Alcohol consumption among fishermen: an integrative review

“…Studies have pointed to the high daily alcohol consumption among fishermen, as well as intensive behavioral smoking, associating the behavior and working conditions. 25,26 Another study pointed fishermen as major consumers of alcohol in the control group. In both groups, those who consumed alcohol were older, smoked more cigarettes per day, and experienced a greater frequency of accidents than those who did not consume alcohol.…”

Prevalence of cannabis and cocaine consumption in French fishermen in South Atlantic region in 2012–2013 and its policy consequences

“…In 2007, the study made by Occupational Health Department for Seamen (Service de santé des gens de mer) [18][19][20] had shown that prevalence of a positive urine test for cannabis was 14% for all seamen, without significant difference between merchant seamen (13.4%) and fishermen (13.7%). Since this study, several aspects have indicated potential increase in cannabis use and especially among fishermen making fishing trips of more than 24 h. During consultations with occupational physicians, many fishermen declared being concerned about the increasing use of cannabis.…”