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Self-reported diabetes mellitus among seafarers: occupational and sociodemographic predictors
, 13, 1, 4, 13
Affiliations- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia
- International Radio Medical Center (C.I.R.M.), Research Department, Rome, Italy
- Section of Legal Medicine, School of Law, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
open access
Abstract
Background: Seafarers are at increased risk of diabetes due to their lifestyle and working conditions on
board ships. There is, however, limited evidence regarding the magnitude of diabetes and its risk factors.
In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported diabetes among seafarers on board ships
and identify risk factors associated with it.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted among seafarers aboard
ships between November and December 2022. The study enrolled a total of 4,500 seafarers aged 18
and older. Data were collected using anonymous, standardized questionnaires. The association between
the outcome variable and the independent variables was assessed using binary logistic regression models.
Results: In total, 2,986 participants were included in the study. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes
among seafarers was found to be 8.2% (95% CI: 7.2–9.2). Self-reported diabetes prevalence among officers
and non-officers was 7% and 9%, respectively. The mean age of study participants was 37.96 ± 10.22, while
the mean age of participants with diabetes was 47.5 ± 9.46. Independent predictors of self-reported diabetes
mellitus were age (51+ years) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46–8.95],
rank (non-officer) [AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.14–2.40], worksites (engine) (AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.19–3.77),
work experience (10–20 years) (AOR: 4.66, 95% CI: 2.33–10.05), work experience (21+ years) (AOR: 5.01,
95% CI: 2.32–11.55), working hours per week (57–70 hours) (AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08–2.31), working
hours per week (71+ hours) (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.17–2.80), self-reported hypertension (AOR: 1.44, 95%
CI: 1.03–1.99), overweight (AOR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.24–2.47), and obesity (AOR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.84–4.65).
Conclusions: This study revealed that one in twelve seafarers between the ages of 19 and 70 have self-reported
diabetes. The present study identified significant risk factors associated with diabetes. Risk factor
mitigation strategies aimed at high-risk groups should be implemented on board ships.
Abstract
Background: Seafarers are at increased risk of diabetes due to their lifestyle and working conditions on
board ships. There is, however, limited evidence regarding the magnitude of diabetes and its risk factors.
In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported diabetes among seafarers on board ships
and identify risk factors associated with it.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted among seafarers aboard
ships between November and December 2022. The study enrolled a total of 4,500 seafarers aged 18
and older. Data were collected using anonymous, standardized questionnaires. The association between
the outcome variable and the independent variables was assessed using binary logistic regression models.
Results: In total, 2,986 participants were included in the study. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes
among seafarers was found to be 8.2% (95% CI: 7.2–9.2). Self-reported diabetes prevalence among officers
and non-officers was 7% and 9%, respectively. The mean age of study participants was 37.96 ± 10.22, while
the mean age of participants with diabetes was 47.5 ± 9.46. Independent predictors of self-reported diabetes
mellitus were age (51+ years) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46–8.95],
rank (non-officer) [AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.14–2.40], worksites (engine) (AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.19–3.77),
work experience (10–20 years) (AOR: 4.66, 95% CI: 2.33–10.05), work experience (21+ years) (AOR: 5.01,
95% CI: 2.32–11.55), working hours per week (57–70 hours) (AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08–2.31), working
hours per week (71+ hours) (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.17–2.80), self-reported hypertension (AOR: 1.44, 95%
CI: 1.03–1.99), overweight (AOR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.24–2.47), and obesity (AOR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.84–4.65).
Conclusions: This study revealed that one in twelve seafarers between the ages of 19 and 70 have self-reported
diabetes. The present study identified significant risk factors associated with diabetes. Risk factor
mitigation strategies aimed at high-risk groups should be implemented on board ships.
Keywords
diabetes; hypertension; overweight; obesity; smoking; seafarers; working hours
About this articleTitle
Self-reported diabetes mellitus among seafarers: occupational and sociodemographic predictors
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
19-28
Published online
2024-03-29
Page views
82
Article views/downloads
43
DOI
10.5603/imh.98289
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
IMH 2024;75(1):19-28.
Keywords
diabetes
hypertension
overweight
obesity
smoking
seafarers
working hours
Authors
Getu Gamo Sagaro
Marzio Di Canio
Gopi Battineni
Giovanna Ricci
Francesco Amenta
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