International Maritime Health最新文献

{"title":"Retrospective 10-year study on Filipino seafarer medical repatriations: comparing two time periods.","authors":"Antonio Roberto Abaya, Regina Bacnis Abola, Manuel S Vidal, Jian Kenzo O Leal, Jonathan P Chan, Saren Bogalonta Roldan, Jaime Jose Lorenzo C De Rivera","doi":"10.5603/imh.100438","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.100438","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Our group has published two 5-year studies on the repatriation rates of Filipino seafarers from 2010 to 2014 and 2015 to 2019. The Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006, which promotes seafarers' rights, was ratified in the Philippines in 2012. The current study investigates whether any change occurred since then.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We analyzed the total repatriation rates and medical causes of repatriation throughout the 10-year period. We performed a t-test to compare the repatriation rates in both 5-year periods, and χ-square tests for the medical causes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The repatriation rate decreased from 2015 to 2019 with a t-test score of 0.0453 (P < 0.05). Musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal diseases, as well as injuries/traumas were the most frequent causes of repatriation. There was a significant increase in the number of musculoskeletal and psychiatric/ /psychological causes for repatriation, and a decrease in injuries/traumas.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A historical review of the 10-year period across the two studies revealed that these changes coincided with implementation of MLC 2006 in August 2013. This was designed as the seafarers' Magna Carta, promoting and establishing various provisions to improve global seafarers' welfare including areas such as minimum age, seafarers' employment agreements, hours of work or rest, payment of wages, onboard medical care, accommodation, food and catering standards, health and safety protection, and accident prevention. Our study shows changes in repatriations that indicate an improvement in trauma rates, and while no method can definitively show statistical correlation or cause and effect, we can safely conclude that there is a positive correlation between the implementation of the 2006 MLC and the repatriation rates of Filipino seafarers.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":"76 1","pages":"33-41"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144038997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A smartwatch electrocardiogram for atrial fibrillation detection: a case report.","authors":"Ciro Ruocco, Francesco Amenta, Ulrico Angeloni, Emanuela Maria Frisicale, Francesco Vaia, Getu Gamo Sagaro","doi":"10.5603/imh.99319","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.99319","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for effective management and prevention of complications associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). The advent of wearable technology has revolutionized the way we detect and monitor cardiac conditions. This case report describes a patient who requested medical assistance from the Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (CIRM), the Italian Telemedical Maritime Assistance Service (TMAS) center and was diagnosed with AF while on board a merchant ship using a smartwatch Electrocardiogram (ECG).</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":"76 2","pages":"93-96"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Audiological profile of fishermen using fiber motor boats in Puducherry.","authors":"Vimalraj Manibalan, Dhanesh Ramani, Prajna J Bhat","doi":"10.5603/imh.101888","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.101888","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fishermen face multiple occupational health risks including drowning, traumatic injuries, asphyxia, and skin allergies. Additionally, their exposure to high intensities of engine noise during fishing puts them at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Inadequate use of ear protective devices and lack of awareness further contribute to the prevalence of NIHL among fishermen. This study aims to measure the engine noise level of fiber motor boats and develop an audiological profile of fishermen in Puducherry.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Thirty fishermen between the ages of 20 to 45 years, who operate fiber motor boats were tested using pure-tone and speech audiometry, high-frequency audiometry, immittance audiometry, single and multifrequency tympanometry, and distortion product oto-acoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Additionally, the engine noise level of fiber motor boats was measured using a sound level meter.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The engine noise levels ranged from 92 dB(A) to 115 dB(A) and 81 dB(A) to 106 dB(A) at 3 feet and 6 feet distance respectively, which exceeds the permissible 90 dB(A) limit in accordance to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for 8 hours. Audiological test results indicated hearing loss primarily at 4 kHz and at higher frequencies. Single and multifrequency tympanometry results were atypical. Although Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) at standard frequencies was normal, DPOAEs were affected.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It is crucial to educate fishermen about ear care and the use of ear protection to prevent hearing loss due to harmful noise levels. In addition, the importance of using.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":"76 1","pages":"21-27"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143990853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intestinal parasitic infections among BaAka Pygmies and Bantu people living in the rain forests in Lobaye Prefecture, Central African Republic.","authors":"Monika Pintal-Ślimak, Wanesa Wilczyńska, Konrad Grzeszczak, Marta Grubman-Nowak, Krzysztof Korzeniewski","doi":"10.5603/imh.104864","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.104864","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Central African Republic (CAR) is one of the poorest countries in the world with nearly 65% of its inhabitants living in extreme poverty, and 87% lacking access to safely managed sanitation facilities. Poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare contribute to high transmission of intestinal parasitoses. The present study aimed to assess the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in two separate ethnic groups inhabiting the rainforests in the Lobaye Prefecture in the southern parts of the CAR: the nomadic BaAka Pygmies and the sedentary Bantu people. In addition, the results obtained from the examination of the Pygmy people were compared to the results of the 2021 study on the occurrence of IPIs in a Pygmy community inhabiting the Sangha-Mbaéré Prefecture in the CAR, in the context of the effectiveness of mass deworming actions among the population living in the forest ecosystem.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Stool samples for parasitological examination were collected from 170 patients (145 Bantu people and 25 BaAka Pygmies) in September 2024 at a healthcare facility in Bagandou, the Lobaye Prefecture, CAR. The exclusion criterion was taking antiparasitic drugs within four weeks before collecting the biological material for testing. The collected biological material was fixed in SAF fixative, and next it was transported to the Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine at the Military Institute of Medicine - the National Research Institute in Poland, where it was examined by light microscopy; the specimens were prepared for examination using three different methods (a direct smear in Lugol's solution, decantation with distilled water, the Fülleborn's flotation method).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 38.2% of the study participants were found to be infected with at least one clinically significant parasitic species. Apart from potentially pathogenic Blastocystis spp. and non-pathogenic protozoa, hookworm, Giardia intestinalis and Ascaris lumbricoides were found to be the most prevalent parasitic species in the study participants. More than 60% of the participants were found to be co-infected with at least two different parasitic species. The occurrence of IPIs was significantly higher in BaAka Pygmies compared to the sedentary Bantu people. It also demonstrated that the infection rate was lower in older age groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study demonstrated a high occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections both among BaAka Pygmies and in the Bantu people inhabiting the Lobaye Prefecture. Mass deworming campaigns conducted by catholic missionaries, as well as non-governmental organisations, are not effective in reducing the number of STH cases in the local communities. Continuous exposure to risk factors and the unique lifestyle of the local residents put them at risk of permanent reinfections.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":"76 2","pages":"126-135"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The toxicity of Physalia physalis: systematic review and experimental study.","authors":"Elena Bañón-Boulet, Emilio Gonzalez-Arnay","doi":"10.5603/imh.101435","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.101435","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Jellyfish poisonings are frequent in coastal areas of temperate latitudes. In Spain, the most frequent and dangerous jellyfish is the Portuguese man-of-war or Physalia physalis. Although the clinical manifestations of P. physalis envenomation are known, the acute management and complications are controversial, with varying criteria about proper treatment.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This paper presents a systematic review of those studies that have collected clinical aspects of the sting of P. physalis, as well as an experimental study that evaluates the discharge capacity of nematocysts under different conditions (heated seawater at 50°C, 4°C seawater, distilled water, 25% commercial vinegar, distilled water, 25% commercial vinegar in seawater) as a proxy for envenomation potential including in sea lice. Also, discharged and undischarged nematocyst count was performed in air-dried tentacles at different times after specimen collection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Acetic acid does not produce nematocyst discharge when diluted in seawater and warm seawater is an optimal rinsing agent that dissolves the jellyfish mesoglea. Furthermore, the nematocysts detached from the jellyfish body maintain toxic capacity for at least 120 days after the stranding of the organism.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Most controversy regarding the treatment of P. physalis envenomation is related to the lack of proper species stratification or identification. In our sample, acetic acid does not elicit nematocyst discharge by itself, but depending on the solvent. Both vinegar and hot seawater rinses are the best first-aid treatments. A first aid protocol is proposed based on data from the review and the experimental study.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":"76 1","pages":"42-62"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144053528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Magazine.","authors":"","doi":"10.5603/imh.106977","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.106977","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":"76 2","pages":"179-191"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The relationship between health literacy and health behaviours amongst a South African Navy sample.","authors":"Sonja Nicolene Mostert, Jarred Martin, Charles Van Wijk","doi":"10.5603/imh.101675","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.101675","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Health literacy (HL) is the ability to access, process and understand information about health. It has been established that HL mediates health-related decisions and behaviours. In the naval environment, sailors are expected to responsively address their healthcare needs and maintain a holistic state of physical and psychological wellbeing to meet the operational demands of their work. While studies of HL in military populations have been undertaken, none of these have explicitly examined active-duty naval personnel. The aim of this study was to examine the levels of HL amongst a sample of active-duty sailors in the South African Navy (SAN) and determine to what extent HL predicted health behaviours.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 977 active-duty sailors completed a demographic questionnaire and the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) during their annual health screening. The HLQ is 44-item questionnaire with Likert scale response options that assesses several domains of health literacy across nine subscales. The HLQ data was paired with several health indicators. The following health information was recorded; blood pressure readings (diastolic and systolic), body mass index, hip, and waist measurements, as well as if diabetes and/or hypertension had been diagnosed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data along with a regression analysis to determine the nature and predictability of HL and the health indicators.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings supported high levels of HL across all nine subscales with the active management subscale significantly predicting several health outcomes including reduced blood pressure; body mass index and waist and hip measurement.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The HLQ was used to assess HL amongst SAN sailors. Results indicate that SAN personnel have above average HL knowledge and skills which may be attributed to the accessibility of health support information and services as well as mandatory health screenings and evaluations.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":"76 1","pages":"11-20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144014935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maritime Health Onboard - Treatment Pathways IMHF Expert Panel Consensus Statement.","authors":"Nebojša Nikolić, Haga Jon Magnus, Spike Briggs, Sue Stannard, Beate Stelzer, Alf Magne Horneland, Tim Carter, Bill Kavanagh, Steven Shackleton","doi":"10.5603/imh.104147","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.104147","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Medical emergencies on board are seriously impairing seafarers' safety and health, as well as future work prospects. The purpose of this International Maritime Health Foundation's (IMHF) initiative was to establish common principles for the management of disease and injury by non-medical professionals at sea.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Nine expert participants actively participated in the workshop in order to identify common principles that should guide the future development of treatment pathways by evaluating selected treatment pathways from The Ship Captain's Medical Guide 23rd Edition in the context of medical intervention on board merchant ships and consensus statements from previous four IMHF EP Workshops on Medical Help on Board. Delphi study survey and a modified RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM) were used in the process of reaching the consensus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The result of the workshop is a set of consensus statements on the general principles of development of the future treatment pathways, Results reflect the need for further tuning of the existent treatment pathways or creating new ones, considering their development in the digital format.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":"76 1","pages":"28-32"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144054062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Primary healthcare in island regions: A comprehensive analysis of trends, insights and future directions.","authors":"Nur Rahmah, Amran Razak, Agus Bintara Birawida, Irwandy Irwandy","doi":"10.5603/imh.103764","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.103764","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Primary healthcare in island regions is a critical component of global health systems, yet it faces unique challenges due to geographical isolation, resource constraints and sociocultural factors.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to systematically analyze the global research landscape of primary healthcare in islands through a bibliometric analysis.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant publications using Scopus as the primary database. Keyword analysis, co-authorship networks and citation analysis were employed to explore research trends, collaboration patterns and influential authors and institutions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed a significant increase in research output over the past few decades, with the United States, Spain and Australia emerging as leading contributors. Key research themes included access to care, health workforce, chronic disease management and health promotion. Collaborative research networks were identified, particularly among researchers from island nations and developed countries. The analysis also highlighted the growing importance of digital health technologies in addressing the challenges of island healthcare.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Research on island primary healthcare has grown steadily since 1972, with key contributions from the United States, Spain and Australia. Major themes include clinical care, health systems and policy. Trends evolved from clinical to systemic and demographic focuses, with future directions emphasizing digital technologies and participatory methods. These findings inform evidence-based policies to enhance island health services.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":"76 2","pages":"115-125"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systematic review: Psychomental reactions of survivors after fatal maritime disasters at sea.","authors":"Daniel Lazuk, Hans-Joachim Jensen, Volker Harth, Marcus Oldenburg","doi":"10.5603/imh.103007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.103007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Several studies have shown that accidents and disasters at sea account for a significant share of seafarers' deaths. Additionally, the experience of a disaster often has a crucial impact on the mental health of survivors. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the psychomental symptoms and their development over time after a maritime disaster, as well as the scores used to measure the severity of the symptoms.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the scientific databases PubMed, PubPsych, PsycArticles, and Scopus to identify studies related to fatal maritime disasters. This systematic search yielded 239 studies and twelve were ultimately included in the review after the application of specific exclusion criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The included studies described the psychomental symptoms of 40 seafarers, 422 navy and US Coast Guard crew members, and 300 passengers who experienced maritime disasters. Survivors of fatal maritime disasters exhibit significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression. The diagnostic screening cut-offs for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on the Total Impact of Event Scale (IES-Total) score were exceeded in a significant number of the survivors. Although symptoms diminish over time, survivors' mental health often remains significantly affected for several years after the disaster.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The symptoms and the severity of PTSD and depression after a maritime disaster and their development over time show parallels with findings from land-based disaster research. Overall, the number of identified studies and their actuality in the field of maritime research are unsatisfactory. This highlights the necessity for additional research in the field of maritime disaster medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":"76 2","pages":"165-178"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}