Social and economic wellbeing of seafarers across coastal Nigeria amidst Corona virus disease

One of the industries hit hard by the Corona Virus is the shipping industry. This is because there was serious paucity in the movement of people and goods. This also affected not only the social but also the economic well-being of seafarers. Therefore, this study assessed the social and economic well-being of seafarers across coastal Nigeria, amidst COVID. A cross-sectional research design was deployed, and data was generated through questionnaire administration. Analysis was done using Mann Kendal correlation and K-Wallis tests. Findings indicated COVID-19-induced social challenges included fatigue; and sleeping disorders. Mann Kendal correlation analysis indicated a relationship between COVID-19 and social challenges. Among COVID-19-induced economic challenges were unemployment, sacking, and salary slash. The Kendal relationship between COVID-19 and economic challenges was significant, implying, social challenges encountered by seafarers were related to COVID-19. K-Wallis test outcome for the spatial difference in economic challenges encountered by seafarers was significant. Implying a significant difference in the economic challenges posed by COVID-19 on seafarers in the study area. Based on the findings herein, social engagement programs, and poverty alleviation schemes are among the recommendations advanced for seafarers.

The Relationship Between Work-Induced Sexual Abstinence and Psychological Health of Chinese Male Seafarers: The Positive Influence of Job Satisfaction

The specific nature of the seafaring occupation keeps seafarers away from partners and shore life for long periods at sea. Therefore, seafarers suffer many challenges in the workplace including frustration of their sexual needs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between work-induced sexual abstinence, psychological health and job satisfaction among seafarers. A mixed-method approach focusing on cross-sectional survey-based quantitative research was used. The sample included 617 Chinese active seafarers who experienced sexual abstinence on board. Hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to divide the respondents into different groups corresponding to 14 psychological problems induced by sexual abstinence and experienced in the workplace. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to identify the relationship between tolerance level of seafarers to sexual abstinence and their job satisfaction. Four distinct groups of seafarers, influenced differently by sexual abstinence, were identified, namely "Saint," "Adapter," "Average people," and "Sufferer" clusters. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that tolerance level of seafarers to sexual abstinence was positively influenced by overall job satisfaction, perceived working environment, ability utilization for other jobs, own choice for working as a seafarer and perceived friendliness of co-workers, while it was negatively influenced by perceived job responsibility. The study innovates by examining the relationship between sexual abstinence and the psychological health of seafarers. It also extends the function of job satisfaction, which can contribute positively to the tolerance level to sexual abstinence. Management recommendations to address sexual abstinence issues are proposed to better protect the health and psychological well-being of seafarers and enhance operational safety on board.

Seafarers' mental health status and life satisfaction: Structural equation model

Background

A variety of factors influence seafarers' health. Such factors might affect their satisfaction with life.

Aims

To examine the relationships between seafarers' mental health status and satisfaction with life by using a structural equation method.

Methods

In this survey, 470 seafarers were selected via convenience sampling method from two shipping companies. Validated questionnaires including Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder-8 (PTSD-8), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), Perceived Health status and Depression-Anxiety-Stress scale-21 (DASS-21) were used to assess different aspects of well-being and life satisfaction. The stratified path analysis method was applied to analyze the data.

Results

439 seafarers (200 officers and 237 non-officers) with a mean age of 34.5 (SD: 8.05) participated in the current study. The GHQ score directly affected satisfaction with life in both officers (β = 0.35) and non-officers (β = 0.40). Also, perceived health status directly and indirectly affected satisfaction with life among officers (β = 0.19) and non-officers (β = 0.06). While officers working days per month indirectly impacted satisfaction with life through the general anxiety disorder, perceived health status, depression, anxiety, stress and current mental health. In non-officers, generalized anxiety disorder had the most potent indirect effects on satisfaction with life through perceived health status and current mental health.

Conclusion

Perceived health status, directly and indirectly, affected seafarers' satisfaction with life. Measures should be taken in order to improve seafarers' perceived health status and its effects on satisfaction with life.

Mental health and psychological wellbeing of maritime personnel: a systematic review

Background

Seafaring has frequently been reported to be a ‘risky occupation’ in terms of both physical and mental health. Individuals working in seafaring professions are exposed to various stressors in the workplace, including social isolation, exposure to poor physical conditions and long work hours. This systematic review aimed to update previous reviews by collating recent literature (published between 2012 and 2021) on the factors associated with mental health and wellbeing in seafaring personnel.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched in April 2021 for primary peer-reviewed studies on factors associated with the mental health and psychological wellbeing of seafarers or interventions to improve the wellbeing of seafarers, published in English in or after the year 2012. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise the data and standardised measures of quality appraisal were used to assess risk of bias.

Results

Sixty-three studies were reviewed. Risk factors for poor mental health among seafarers appear to be younger age; being single; poor physical health; exposure to noise/vibration; feeling unsafe; high job demands; long working hours; night/irregular shifts; poor sleep; poor team cohesion; poor perception of management; poor social support; lack of autonomy; scheduling uncertainties; long duration at sea; and over-commitment.

Conclusions

There are numerous steps that maritime managers could take to improve the wellbeing of their personnel, including increased monitoring of the potential for poor mental health in their staff, increasing crew numbers and provision of education and support.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on seafarers' mental health and chronic fatigue: Beneficial effects of onboard peer support, external support and Internet access

While commercial shipping remained vital for maintaining global supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic, measures imposed to control the spread of infection have disrupted crew changes and impacted interactions with port personnel and among crew members on board. Initial reports indicate that this affected work and life on board, the length of seafarers' time on board as well as seafarers' employment and family concerns. However, the consequences for seafarers' well-being are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on seafarers' mental health and chronic fatigue, and to analyze the role of potential mitigating factors, notably onboard peer support, external support and Internet quality. Survey responses from 622 seafarers on international commercial vessels were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings suggested that the impact of the pandemic increased seafarers' fatigue and mental health problems. However, they also indicated ways of mitigating the negative impact of the pandemic and increasing resilience by enhancing support from fellow crew members on board, ensuring the availability of external support and providing fast and reliable Internet access.

Mental health problems and their related factors among seafarers: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Seafarers are often reported to be engaged in a dangerous physical and psychosocial work environment. However, mental health status among seafarers has not been focused on compared with physical health issues. Systematic, comprehensive reviews of mental health problems and their relevant factors are lacking. This review aimed to clarify beneficial approaches to the mental health problems faced among seafarers using a scoping review to systematically map the evidence regarding mental health issues and their related factors.

METHODS

Studies were searched on MEDLINE/PubMed, Science Direct, Academic search complete using EBSCOhost databases, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of science on 20, August 2020. This scoping review was conducted based on the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and Preferred Reporting items for Scoping Reviews flow diagram. The inclusion criteria were studies which determined the relationship between factors relevant to working conditions or working environment, and mental health in seafarers, and etc. Data were narratively summarized and reported.

RESULTS

Twenty-four were included in this review while two major findings were clarified. Firstly, the prevalence of stress, depressive symptoms, and burnout have been mentioned for decades. Secondly, factors related to mental health and psychological issues can be categorized as individual and work environmental factors. The individual factors include experience, age, health status (high BMI, poor sleep, and diabetics), and resilience. The work environmental factors consist of two parts. Job demands comprise pressure from contractors/customers/time, working hours, ship department, job title, voyage episodes, period of seafaring, noise, and vibration. The job resources included instrumental support, team cohesion, shipboard caring and effort-reward imbalance.

CONCLUSIONS

A beneficial approach to mental health problems faced among seafarers is necessary to understand comprehensively at individual and organization levels. Promoting health behaviors, training resilience, and managing obesity and chronic diseases comprise individual level strategies. Providing seafarers with adequate instrumental support, and practical support to communicate with customers, managing their distinct work-rest hours and adequate effort-reward balance comprise organization level methods.

Seafarers' well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The public health strategies for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection have included closing the national borders and cancelling international flights, which has severely affected free crew changes. This caused prolonged stay on board or at home for seafarers, who should be recognized as 'key' workers regarding their essential role in maintaining the flow of vital goods.

OBJECTIVE

Using a general inductive approach, this qualitative study aims to describe how the COVID-19 pandemic reflects on seafarers' well-being. The study focused on obtaining personal experiences from seafarers on board, and seafarers at home, relating to the current world pandemic.

METHODS

A convenience sample consisting of 752 seafarers from the international seafarers' population participated in an online study in spring 2020. The questionnaire used included questions relating to basic sociodemographic and work characteristics, and one open question which addressed seafarers' personal experiences. The data obtained was analysed by thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The emerged themes included mental, physical, social and economic well-being. Most of the answers of seafarers located on board related to threatened mental, physical and social well-being, while seafarers at home reported mostly on threats to their economic well-being.

CONCLUSION

Seafarers' well-being is seriously threatened by preventive measures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results are discussed in relation to earlier findings in the area of occupational stress in seafaring. Overall, the data obtained portrays existing underlying occupational structures in the seafaring sector, which are rendered more visible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In short, seafarers describe their reality as far away from the concept of 'key' or 'essential' workers.

The impact of the Maritime Labor Convention on seafarers' working and living conditions: an analysis of port state control statistics

Background

The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC2006) entered into force in August 2013 and is a milestone for better working and living conditions (WLC) for seafarers. As of March 2020, 96 countries have ratified the MLC2006, covering more than 90% of the world’s shipping fleet. A system of port state control (PSC) allows ratifying countries to inspect any foreign ship arriving in their ports for compliance with the convention. It is intended as a second safety measure for the identification of substandard ships that sail all over the world. Nine regional agreements, so-called Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), have been signed to coordinate and standardize PSC inspections and to increase efficiency by sharing inspections and information. This paper uses public PSC statistics to evaluate the impact of the MLC2006.

Methods

A preliminary analysis using registered tonnage and MLC2006 ratification was conducted and seven MoU were selected for the analysis. The annual reports of these MoU have been viewed in September 2019. Numbers on annual inspections, deficiencies and detentions and in particular data for deficiencies related to living and working conditions and certificates and documents, have been extracted and analyzed for the years 2010 to 2017.

Results

Across the eight-year period analyzed, inspection numbers remained stable among all MoU authorities. Deficiencies overall and deficiencies related to WLC declined, indicating an improvement in conditions overall and an increased focus on seafarers’ conditions on board. After the MLC2006 entered into force, three MoU reported WLC-ratios above 14%, while the numbers didn’t rise above 10% in the other four authorities. Deficiencies related to certificates and documents did not rise significantly between 2010 and 2017. Two European MoU showed the highest ratios for deficiencies in both categories analyzed.

Conclusion

The analysis confirmed that an increasing attention is being paid to the inspection of working and living conditions, especially in European countries. However, a clear positive impact of the MLC2006 could not be determined from the PSC statistics in this analysis. A large variation still exists among the MoU, a fact that demands increased efforts for harmonization of PSC procedures.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12889-020-09682-6.

The Effects of Chinese Seafarers' Job Demands on Turnover Intention: The Role of Fun at Work

This study examines how an occupational commitment and a fun work environment serve as important mechanisms that influence the job demands–turnover intentions relationship. On the basis of the job demands–resources model, the study explored the relationship between job demands, occupational commitment, fun at work, and turnover intention. The hypotheses were (1) that job demands would be positively associated with predicted turnover intention; (2) that occupational commitment would mediate the job demands–turnover intention link and (3) that a fun environment would moderate the relationship between job demands and occupational commitment and between job demands and turnover intention. The study sampled 294 seafarers using an online survey, and applied descriptive, correlative analysis and the PROCESS Macro to test the hypotheses. Findings provide preliminary support for the three hypotheses, and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism determining seafarers’ turnover intention. The results suggest the importance of holding appropriate group activities on-board to help seafarers alleviate fatigue and stress.

Impact of Work-Family Conflict, Job Stress and Job Satisfaction on Seafarer Performance

A lack of research has been undertaken to explore work-family conflict and its impact on the shipping industry. The objective of the present study was to empirically examine the effects of work-family conflict, job stress, and job satisfaction on seafarer performance. Data were collected from merchant ship seafarers in the Yangshan Port, Shanghai, China (n = 337). A data analysis was performed using hierarchical regression analysis. The research results revealed that work-family conflict and job stress negatively affects seafarer self-reported performance, while job satisfaction positively influences seafarer job performance. Findings also show that job satisfaction plays a moderating role in the relationships between work-family conflict, job stress and seafarer performance. Our findings demonstrate that work-family conflict, job stress and job satisfaction manifested are significant predictors for seafarer performance. Important applications and implications are provided for managers and researchers.

Anxiety and depression symptoms among gas and oil industry workers

Background

Oil and gas industry workers appear to suffer from anxiety and depression more frequently than the general population.

Aims

To establish the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among offshore workers working for an oil and gas company and to identify the main stressors that lead to symptoms of these disorders.

Methods

One thousand seven hundred and forty-seven workers employed in an offshore oil and gas company in the Middle East completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health (PHQ-9) questionnaires. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were estimated from these surveys.

Results

Anxiety and depression symptoms were reported by nearly 15% of workers surveyed. Ordered logistic regression analyses showed that age, rotation length, years of service and local origin (versus expatriate) were significant predictors for symptoms of anxiety. With adjustment for age, older local workers had a lower risk of anxiety symptoms than expatriates.

Conclusions

Younger workers, workers with longer rotations and those with fewer years of service were more likely to report anxiety symptoms. In addition, older local workers and expatriates had a lower prevalence of anxiety symptoms than younger local workers. Future recommendations should address improvements in psychological health of offshore workers in the gas and oil industries.

Identifying Predictors of Stress and Job Satisfaction in a Sample of Merchant Seafarers Using Structural Equation Modeling

Background: Seafarers are amongst occupational groups with the highest risk for stress, a factor known to impact on mental health. Psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, suicide, and alcohol or drug dependence are recognized health problems within the maritime sector. The primary aim of this study was to identify which individual and occupational factors, known to impact on psychological functioning across the maritime industry and other sectors, best predict perceived stress and job satisfaction among a sample of merchant seafarers. Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted using a work experiences and attitudes questionnaire administered by a large shipping company to seafarers within their organization. Structural equation modeling was conducted using a proposed theoretical model of perceived stress and job satisfaction in a sample of merchant seafarers. Results: While the structural equation model produced acceptable fit to the sample data according to numerous goodness-of-fit statistics, the comparative fit index and Tucker-Lewis index results indicated less than satisfactory model fit. The model explained 23.8% of variance in the criterion variable of perceived stress, and the strongest predictive effect was for dispositional resilience. The model explained 70.6% of variance in the criterion variable of job satisfaction, and the strongest predictive effect was for instrumental work support. Conclusion: When addressing the psychosocial well-being of merchant seafarers, findings of this study suggest that dispositional resilience may be a particularly important factor with regards to perceived stress, while instrumental work support appears to be a critical factor in relation to job satisfaction. Importantly, however, an overall work environment that is perceived by employees as supportive, equal and just is a cornerstone for the psychosocial well-being of seafarers.