International Maritime Health最新文献

{"title":"Occupational implications of fishing on oral health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Rhea Vas, Shreya Sridharan, Varkey Nadakkavukaran Santhosh, Shruthi Bannur, Karthiga Sakthi, Vaibhav Kumar","doi":"10.5603/imh.108556","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.108556","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fishermen face unique occupational hazards that may adversely affect oral health, yet this remains an understudied area. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated oral health outcomes among fishermen and identified occupation-specific risk factors.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A comprehensive search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) and Google Scholar from inception to April 2025. Studies assessing oral health conditions in fishermen aged > 18 years were included. Data extraction followed a standardized protocol, and methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nineteen studies from seven countries were included, comprising 15 cross-sectional, one case-control, and three cohort studies. Six studies (n = 6) were suitable for meta-analysis of dental caries prevalence. The pooled dental caries prevalence was 71% (95% CI: 0.55-0.83) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 97.9%, p < 0.001). Fishermen consistently exhibited poorer periodontal health and oral hygiene compared to non-fishermen populations across six studies. Eight studies documented elevated prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), particularly actinic cheilitis and leukoplakia, associated with chronic sun exposure and tobacco/alcohol use. Five studies identified extensive unmet restorative and periodontal treatment needs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Fishermen demonstrate significantly compromised oral health characterized by high dental caries prevalence, poor periodontal status, and increased OPMD risk. Targeted interventions including mobile dental services, preventive education programs, and occupational protective measures are urgently needed to address these health disparities in this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041380","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 prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and associated factors among fishermen in Point Pedro Divisional Secretariat, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.","authors":"Ramya Sritharan, Thaadchaayanie Sivarajah, Abira Sathasivam, Sivapathamsiththiravadivel Suthassiny, Kanthasamy Kayalvili, Nirosha Rathnakumari, Anusha Sewwandi, Hashini Shashikala Sandakumari","doi":"10.5603/imh.109407","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.109407","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a significant occupational health problem for fishermen, given their physically demanding activities and long working hours. Despite its high prevalence in fishing communities worldwide, few studies have investigated MSP among fishermen in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Jaffna District. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of MSP and its associated determinants among fishermen in the Point Pedro Divisional Secretariat, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>This descriptive cross-sectional study used a multistage sampling process. The questionnaire was administered to 153 registered active fishermen from three randomly selected Fishermen's Co-op Societies. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the KIU Ethics Review Committee.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that 98% of fishermen experienced MSP in at least one body region, with lower back pain (94%), shoulder pain (85%), and wrist and hand pain (65%) being the predominant complaints. Factors significantly associated with MSP included family income, alcohol consumption, overweight, and fishing frequency (p < 0.05). Exercise had a protective effect, reducing the intensity of MSP. However, work experience and use of heavy tools were not significantly associated with MSP, contrary to the existing literature.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among fishermen in Point Pedro and is mainly associated with regular fishing, physically demanding work, and lifestyle factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149031625","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":"Advocating ergonomic safety measures in shipboard mechanical work to protect crew health.","authors":"Ronilo Capisnon Montuerto","doi":"10.5603/imh.108378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.108378","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the rapidly advancing maritime industry, where technological innovation and global trade drive operational progress, the health and safety of crew members - particularly fitters, welders, machinists, and engine room maintenance personnel - are often given less priority than machinery upgrades or fuel efficiency improvements. Despite advances in ship design and automation, many shipboard mechanical workers remain exposed to ergonomic hazards such as awkward postures, repetitive manual tasks, confinedspaces, and vibration-heavy tools. These conditions significantly increase the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), one of the most commonly reported occupational illnesses among seafarers worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149017911","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":"Oral and dental health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors and first aid knowledge in dental trauma among maritime students.","authors":"Mehmet Buldur, Ömer Arslan","doi":"10.5603/imh.110802","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.110802","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oral and dental health is an integral component of general health and quality of life. Maritime settings present specific challenges because of limited access to professional dental care during prolonged voyages. Although oral health problems and dental emergencies are well documented among active seafarers, evidence on oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, behav-iors, and dental trauma first aid preparedness among maritime students remains limited. This study evaluated oral and dental health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as dental trauma first aid knowledge, among maritime students.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between June and December 2025 among maritime students in Türkiye using an online structured questionnaire. A total knowledge score was calculated from correct responses to oral health and dental trauma first aid items. Associations between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were analyzed using Spearman correlation and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 206 participants were included (mean age: 21.10 ± 1.75 years). Participants demonstrated generally positive attitudes toward oral and dental health and adequate knowledge of basic preventive practices. However, first aid knowledge related to dental trauma - particularly tooth avulsion - was limited, with a high proportion of \"not sure\" and clinically inappropriate responses in scenario-based questions. A weak positive correlation was observed between total knowledge score and attitude score (ρ = 0.196, p = 0.005). Knowledge scores were significantly higher among participants who reported checking the fluoride content of toothpaste (p = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite positive attitudes toward oral health, maritime students showed insufficient first aid knowledge of dental trauma, highlighting a clear knowledge-behavior gap and the need for structured, practice-based training within maritime education.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149017929","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":"Strengthening suicide prevention measures for Filipino seafarers.","authors":"Jerome Dignos Gecain","doi":"10.5603/imh.109713","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.109713","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Filipino seafarers make up one of the world's largest maritime workforces, with more than 400,000 deployed annually to support global shipping operations. Despite their crucial role, their mental health remains an underaddressed concern, particularly in relation to suicide - the second leading cause of mortality at sea. Life onboard exposes seafarers to prolonged isolation, fatigue, demanding workloads, and extended separation from family, all of which heighten psychological vulnerability. For Filipino seafarers, these challenges are intensified by cultural stigma surrounding mental health, limited access to counseling, and gaps in the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention's welfare provisions. Current pre-departure processes in the Philippines continue to prioritize physical fitness over mental readiness, while ships often lack trained personnel who can recognize early signs of distress. Evidence shows that integrating structured mental health education, promoting mental health first aid, and expanding confidential tele-counseling services could significantly strengthen early intervention. Reintegration after disembarkation also emerges as a critical yet overlooked phase, with many seafarers returning home to new family pressures and unaddressed emotional strain. This letter underscores the urgent need for a holistic, culturally responsive, and evidence-based suicide prevention framework led by national maritime agencies, manning companies, and industry stakeholders. Prioritizing mental health is essential to building a safer, more resilient maritime workforce and protecting the well-being of Filipino seafarers who sustain the global economy.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149012853","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":"Aquaculture-driven antibiotic pollution - a critical and emerging threat to maritime health.","authors":"Hely Maquiling Awit","doi":"10.5603/imh.109717","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.109717","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rapid growth of global aquaculture poses significant environmental challenges, particularly through the release of antibiotic residues and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) into coastal ecosystems. Intensive aquaculture systems, especially in Southeast Asia, frequently use antibiotics to manage infections in farmed species, leading to persistent pollutant discharge into marine environments, where antibiotic residues have been detected at environmentally relevant concentrations ranging from ng L⁻¹ to low µg L⁻¹ levels. This study underscores the urgent need for scientific and policy attention to address the intersection of aquaculture practices, environmental pollution, and public health risks associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Research highlights the alarming proliferation of AMR in aquaculture-related bacteria, with quantitative evidence indicating resistance levels exceeding 50% for approximately one-third of antimicrobial compounds tested across Asia, exacerbated by the presence of microplastics which facilitate the transfer and accumulation of resistance genes among bacterial communities. Rising marine temperatures further enhance this challenge, correlating with increased levels of resistance in both aquaculture and clinical settings. Current maritime health frameworks inadequately address these risks, potentially transforming coastal areas into reservoirs for resistant bacteria, thereby threatening food safety and public health. This paper advocates for a coordinated, One-Health approach that incorporates systematic monitoring, stricter antibiotic regulations, research into alternative disease control measures, and the inclusion of marine AMR risks in public health policies. By implementing these strategies collaboratively, we can safeguard the health of marine ecosystems and the well-being of communities reliant on them.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149012484","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 impact of working onboard ships on individual metabolic profiles: Comparing pre-embarkation and post-embarkation testing among Filipino seafarers.","authors":"Antonio Roberto Abaya, Earl Jerald Cansino, Maria Luisa Sanchez, Fritz Andrew Soriano, Jose Alfonso Madroño, Carla Andrea Abaya, Paul Mitchell Garcia, Manuel Jr Vidal","doi":"10.5603/imh.109844","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.109844","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148809127","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":"Motion sickness among offshore wind farm workers - a scoping review of current research.","authors":"Andrew Fenn, Lisa Loloma Froholdt","doi":"10.5603/imh.101691","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.101691","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The transfer of offshore wind farm workers (WFWs) between transport vessels and wind turbines is a hazardous operation with a disproportionately high occurrence of “high potential” incidents. Motion sickness (MS) has been reported to affect offshore wind farm workers’ well-being and has been identified as a job demand, especially during crew transfer and ladder-climbing operations. This scoping review sought to determine the extent to which current research defines, describes, and quantifies MS among offshore WFWs and to identify relevant research gaps.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Using terms related to MS and offshore wind farm operations, searches were conducted of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies published in English between 1990 and 2024 were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 795 articles retrieved, 11 met the inclusion criteria. The included articles describe MS as a job demand but do not clearly define it in the research context. Consequently, it remains unclear which symptoms of MS constitute a job demand and how workers are affected. Additionally, indications of MS prevalence are required, using a clear definition that accounts for the wide range of subjective symptoms other than vomiting. No research appears to have been carried out in which MS among WFWs was studied as a broad occupational health issue within the offshore wind energy sector.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This review identifies research gaps concerning MS among offshore WFWs. Motion sickness-re-lated issues have either been overlooked, studied in isolation, or insufficiently addressed. These issues constitute empirical, methodological, and knowledge gaps, necessitating a need for systematic studies that address these research gaps in the context of the offshore wind energy sector.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148799306","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":"Developing underwater medicine and hyperbaric medicine in Vietnam.","authors":"Son Truong Nguyen, Nam Bao Nguyen","doi":"10.5603/imh.104645","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.104645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>From the late 1960s until 1975, the Naval Physiology Department was established to focus on underwater medical research, serving the training needs of naval special forces. Since the 1980s, the Naval Medical Institute has applied recompression to treat some diving accidents, but the results have been limited. Some hospitals in Hanoi, Haiphong and Ho Chi Minh City were also equipped with monoplace and multiplace (4 people) hyperbaric chambers. However, clinical application research has not received much attention. In 2001, VINIMAM was established, and in 2007, the Center for Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine of the VINIMAM was created, with the following purpose: research, training of underwater and hyperbaric medicine, application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in clinical setting, transferring technology of hyperbaric medicine and HBOT for Hospitals.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The development of underwater medicine (diving medicine) and HBOT applied in clinical practice is very necessary and urgent in Vietnam as a maritime country, and it also contributes to the treatment of many incurable diseases in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148708035","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":"From sting to chronic wound - an uncommon weever fish envenomation case involving the knee.","authors":"Recep Özkan, Kubra Özgök Kangal","doi":"10.5603/imh.107887","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/imh.107887","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Weever fish (Trachinus draco) envenomation is one of the most frequently encountered marine injuries in the Mediterranean and coastal European regions. These fish, which possess venomous dorsal and opercular spines, often inflict injuries when accidentally stepped on in shallow waters. While the most common sting sites are the feet and lower extremities, unusual anatomical locations may occasionally be affected. The venom contains thermo-labile proteins, such as dracotoxin, which induce acute pain, inflammation, and potentially localized tissue necrosis.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We present the case of a 55-year-old male who developed a painful lesion on the medial aspect of the proximal left leg after being stung by a weever fish while fishing from a boat. Initially, he experienced severe pain, burning, and swelling. The patient rinsed the area with seawater without attempting to remove the spine. Conservative wound care was initiated at a local facility, which included the administration of antibiotics and analgesics. Over three months, the injury site progressed into a non-healing wound. By the end of the third month, the patient was admitted to our department. There was a yellow necrotic lesion measuring 3.5 × 1.3 cm without any signs of systemic infection or deep tissue involvement. The wound was treated with regular local care and ultimately entirely healed by the sixth month, without the need for surgical debridement or systemic antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case highlights an unusual presentation of weever fish envenomation involving the medial aspect of the proximal left leg - a rare anatomical site. While hot water immersion remains the cornerstone of treatment, favorable outcomes may still be achieved through alternative symptomatic and wound care strategies in mild cases. Health professionals should remain vigilant for potential secondary infection and transformation into a chronic non-healing wound, especially when initial management is delayed or incomplete. Comprehensive wound assessment, patient education, and individualized treatment planning are essential to optimize recovery in marine envenomation cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":45964,"journal":{"name":"International Maritime Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148708071","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}