Wellbeing of a selection of seafarers in Eastern Adriatic Sea during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020

Abstract

Background: Work-related stress among seafarers is well known but a suspected excess of work-related stress due to the COVID-19 so far has not been published. The aim of the study was to evaluate the well--being of the seafarers during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and their evaluation of the precautions taken by the shipping companies. Materials and methods: Seventy-two seafarers completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) with three extra questions on how the COVID-19 precautions were taken on board. Results: The mean Likert score was 13.9 for the whole sample, corresponding to "no problems" while a subgroup of 40% had mean Likert sum scores of 16.1 (level 15-23) corresponding to "starting problems." In response to the extra items, 50% of the seafarers did not feel safe doing their job in relation to the epidemic and 60% did not think everything has been done to ensure their health at work in relation to the epidemic. Thirty per cent suffered of insomnia to the extent of becoming concerned and 26% had been unhappy and depressed during the latest tours of duty. Conclusions: The hypothesis that excess work-related stress has been put on the seafarers in this specific situation was confirmed and calls for prevention. A combination of person-focused and organisation-focused prevention approaches has been advocated as the most promising for alleviation of job stress in the workplaces at sea.

Seafarers’ mental health in the COVID-19 era: lost at sea?

“…In response to other items, half of the seafarers did not feel safe performing their jobs and 60% did not think that every precaution had been taken to ensure their health at work due to the pandemic. Another 30% suffered from insomnia to the extent of becoming concerned, while 26% reported being unhappy and depressed during their latest tour of duty [23]. In response, a combination of person-focused and organization-focused prevention approaches has been advocated as the most promising for alleviating job stress in the workplace at sea (ISWAN) [24].…”

COVID-19 and seafarers’ rights to shore leave, repatriation and medical assistance: a pilot study

“…[46]. A survey of 72 seafarers using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) confirmed excess work-related stress in the pandemic situation although an earlier study of 350 seafarers with higher resilience, longer experience and greater support at work reported lower levels of stress at sea [47].…”

Prevalence and associated factors of psychosocial distress among seafarers during COVID-19 pandemic

“…Since they have limited access to medical and psychosocial distress services, it seems that ocean shipping and its employees are more vulnerable than the other shipping sectors or even other occupations during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Despite all mentioned above, at the time of writing, just one published study with a minimal sample size on seafarers' well-being during COVID-19 has been found, which might not capture the full picture of such a major health emergency [12]. Besides, there has been no published study about seafarers' overall and psychosocial distress status on ocean-going vessels.…”