The impact of working onboard ships on individual metabolic profiles: Comparing pre-embarkation and post-embarkation testing among Filipino seafarers.

Abstract

Background: Filipino seafarers comprise nearly one-third of the global maritime workforce and face oc-cupational exposures that may elevate cardiometabolic risk. Prolonged deployments marked by irregular schedules, limited physical activity, and constrained dietary diversity can influence metabolic regulation. The objective was to examine pre- to post-embarkation changes in metabolic parameters among Filipino seafarers and identify demographic and occupational predictors of these changes.

Material and methods: A retrospective paired analysis of 402 male seafarers was conducted using pre- and post-embarkation medical records. Continuous and categorical parameters were assessed using paired t-tests and McNemar's tests. A repeated-measures ANOVA, adjusted for age and work location, evaluated within-person changes, while generalized estimating equations identified predictors of metabolic outcomes.

Results: Significant increases were observed in body mass index (BMI) (26.30 → 26.66 kg/m2; p < 0.001), fasting blood sugar (FBS) (5.13 → 5.28 mmol/L; p < 0.001), impaired fasting glucose (2.2% → 4.5%; p = = 0.035), and hyperuricemia (13.2% → 18.4%; p = 0.034). Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) decreased (40.07 → 33.27 U/L; p < 0.001), accompanied by a decline in the prevalence of elevated SGPT (35.3% → 20.4%; p < 0.001). All lipid fractions, creatinine, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and anemia remained stable. In adjusted models, only SGPT (F (1,397) = 4.63; p = 0.032) and triglycerides (F (1,397) = = 6.082; p = 0.014) showed significant time effects. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) models identified post-embarkation timing as a predictor of impaired fasting glucose [odds ratio (OR) 2.08; p = 0.036], hyperu-ricemia (OR = 1.49; p = 0.036), and reduced odds of elevated SGPT (OR = 0.48; p < 0.001). Engine department assignment (OR = 1.93; p = 0.009) and older age (OR = 1.019; p = 0.037) independently predicted elevated SGPT.

Conclusions: Seafaring deployment is associated with selective metabolic perturbations, particularly affecting glu-cose, uric acid, and hepatic enzyme regulation. These findings highlight occupation as a social determinant of health and emphasize the need for proactive, department-specific metabolic monitoring and shipboard health programs.