Risk factors for merchant seafarer repatriation due to injury or illness at sea

Rafael Y. Lefkowitz; Martin D. Slade; Carrie A. Redlich

doi:10.5603/IMH.2015.0016

Vol 66, No 2 (2015)

Original article

Submitted: 2015-06-17

Accepted: 2015-06-17

Published online: 2015-06-17

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Risk factors for merchant seafarer repatriation due to injury or illness at sea

Rafael Y. Lefkowitz, Martin D. Slade, Carrie A. Redlich

DOI: 10.5603/IMH.2015.0016

Pubmed: 26119673

IMH 2015;66(2):61-66.

Vol 66, No 2 (2015)

MARITIME MEDICINE Original article

Submitted: 2015-06-17

Accepted: 2015-06-17

Published online: 2015-06-17

Abstract

Background: Repatriation represents a serious outcome of illness or injury among seafarers at sea. The aim of this study was to describe repatriation patterns due to injury and illness in a seafarer cohort, and determine risk factors for repatriation.

Materials and methods: The study analysed a telemedicine database of 3,921 seafarer injury and illness cases over a 4 year period using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results: There were 61 repatriations over the study period (1.6% of cases). Most repatriations were due to illness (38; 62.3%) as opposed to injury (23; 37.7%). Back injuries and gastrointestinal illness were the most frequent causes of repatriations. Using logistic regression, nationality was identified as a significant risk factor for repatriation.

Conclusions: This study emphasizes illness as a major cause of seafarer repatriation, and suggests opportunities for future studies to identify potentially modifiable risk factors.

Abstract

Materials and methods: The study analysed a telemedicine database of 3,921 seafarer injury and illness cases over a 4 year period using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Conclusions: This study emphasizes illness as a major cause of seafarer repatriation, and suggests opportunities for future studies to identify potentially modifiable risk factors.