The prevalence of seasickness in a population of French civilian sailors

Abstract

Background: Motion sickness, is the onset of a series of clinical signs when travelling in a means of locomotion.
Boats are the most common source of kinetosis, causing seasickness. Although this condition
is often benign, it can severely affect the quality of life of seafarers, as well as the quality of their work.
The aim of this study is to focus on the point prevalence and characteristics of seasickness in a population
of French civilian seafarers from all shipping sectors.

Materials and methods: During two months in 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional study based on
a questionnaire containing 28 questions.

Results: One hundred nine men and 10 women completed the questionnaire. Of these, 34% said they were
seasick. The main symptoms described by the sailors were nausea and cold sweats in 87.5% and 50%
of cases, respectively. The prevalence of naupathy appears to be higher in women (60% compared with
31% in men). Women also seem to be less accustomed to the marine environment than men, with 71%
of men and only 33% of women indicating that they get accustomed to life at sea. However, the symptoms
of seasickness seem to disappear more slowly in men than in women. In terms of treatment, men (38%)
were more likely to take medication than women (17%).

Conclusions: Our study shows a greater susceptibility to seasickness among women. This interpretation should
be treated with caution given the small number of women who took part in the study. The relatively low point
prevalence of seasickness (34%) could be due to under-reporting. Although ways of thinking are changing,
seasickness is still a taboo subject for many sailors. Yet seasickness has major professional and personal
repercussions. So it’s important to raise the subject and discuss strategies for improving well-being at work.