open access

Vol 68, No 3 (2017)
Original article
Submitted: 2017-05-18
Accepted: 2017-06-11
Published online: 2017-09-27
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The health behaviour and wellbeing of older seafarers on Merseyside — indicated changes through brief interventions

Malcolm John Fisk1
·
Pubmed: 28952657
·
IMH 2017;68(3):133-139.
Affiliations
  1. De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom

open access

Vol 68, No 3 (2017)
MARITIME MEDICINE Original article
Submitted: 2017-05-18
Accepted: 2017-06-11
Published online: 2017-09-27

Abstract

Background: There is significant evidence of the poor health of seafarers that arises both from the rigours of their trade and, for many, the associated lifestyles. Such poor health can continue in later life. The objective of the research is to report on a specific project that provided brief interventions to assist older (ex-) seafarers and to establish the effect of those interventions on their knowledge, behaviours, health and wellbeing.

Materials and methods: Older seafarers were recruited to the project. Brief interventions were provided by which the knowledge of a number of older seafarers with health needs was raised about the options available to them; and the implications for their lifestyles and behaviours were addressed. Initial and final interviews were undertaken to determine any changes in self-reported health and wellbeing using both EQ5D and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) measures. Post project interviews took place with a sample of the older seafarers.

Results: A good level of understanding was found among the older seafarers regarding their own health. This meant that a precondition was in place, for many, by which changes in behaviours and lifestyles could take place. An important outcome was the indicated benefits of the brief interventions for self-reported wellbeing, though not statistically significant at the 95% level of confidence.

Conclusions: Endeavours within the project to reach some of those who could benefit from the brief interventions were successful. Just over half changed their behaviours or were thinking of so doing. Wellbeing gains arising were indicated.

Abstract

Background: There is significant evidence of the poor health of seafarers that arises both from the rigours of their trade and, for many, the associated lifestyles. Such poor health can continue in later life. The objective of the research is to report on a specific project that provided brief interventions to assist older (ex-) seafarers and to establish the effect of those interventions on their knowledge, behaviours, health and wellbeing.

Materials and methods: Older seafarers were recruited to the project. Brief interventions were provided by which the knowledge of a number of older seafarers with health needs was raised about the options available to them; and the implications for their lifestyles and behaviours were addressed. Initial and final interviews were undertaken to determine any changes in self-reported health and wellbeing using both EQ5D and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) measures. Post project interviews took place with a sample of the older seafarers.

Results: A good level of understanding was found among the older seafarers regarding their own health. This meant that a precondition was in place, for many, by which changes in behaviours and lifestyles could take place. An important outcome was the indicated benefits of the brief interventions for self-reported wellbeing, though not statistically significant at the 95% level of confidence.

Conclusions: Endeavours within the project to reach some of those who could benefit from the brief interventions were successful. Just over half changed their behaviours or were thinking of so doing. Wellbeing gains arising were indicated.

Get Citation

Keywords

seafarers, health, wellbeing, behaviour, brief interventions

About this article
Title

The health behaviour and wellbeing of older seafarers on Merseyside — indicated changes through brief interventions

Journal

International Maritime Health

Issue

Vol 68, No 3 (2017)

Article type

Original article

Pages

133-139

Published online

2017-09-27

Page views

1077

Article views/downloads

1220

DOI

10.5603/IMH.2017.0024

Pubmed

28952657

Bibliographic record

IMH 2017;68(3):133-139.

Keywords

seafarers
health
wellbeing
behaviour
brief interventions

Authors

Malcolm John Fisk

References (13)
  1. Maritime Charities Funding Group. Supporting seafarers and their families: Challenges for the future. Merchant Navy Welfare Board. Southampton, UK, 2007.
  2. Robinson M, Robertson S, McCullagh Jo, et al. Working towards men’s health: Findings from the Sefton men’s health project. Health Education J. 2012; 69(2): 139–149.
  3. White A, de Sousa B, de Visser R. The state of men’s health in Europe. European Commission Directorate General for Health and Consumer, Brussels 2011.
  4. McVittie C, McKinlay A. Help-seeking in context: Masculine and feminine identities in relation to men's health issues. Procedia Soc Behav Sci. 2010; 5: 239–243.
  5. Fisk M, Hall D. The welfare needs of older seafarers and their (older) dependants. Insight Social Research Ltd., Abercynon and Opinion Research Services Ltd, Swansea 2007.
  6. Cheater S. Better Health for Ex-Seafarers report. Nautilus International, Wallasey 2012.
  7. Galdas P, Fell J, Bower P, et al. The effectiveness of self-management support interventions for men with long-term conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2015; 5(3): e006620.
  8. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Behaviour change: Individual approaches. NICE Public health Guidance 2014.
  9. Harris J, Mason J, Spalding J. et al.. A review of the cost-effectiveness of individual level behaviour change interventions. North West Public Health Observatory, Liverpool 2011.
  10. Fisk M. Better Health for Ex-Seafarers Project: Evaluation report. Insight Social Research Ltd, Ferndale 2012.
  11. Stansfield J, Collins B, Timpson H. Using and analysing WEMWBS to measure the impact of interventions in improving mental wellbeing. Cheshire and Merseyside Public Health Collaborative, Bromborough 2013.
  12. Tennant R, Hiller L, Fishwick R, et al. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS): development and UK validation. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2007; 5(63).
  13. Deacon L, Carlin H, Spalding J. North West Mental Wellbeing Survey 2009. North West Public Health Observatory, Liverpool 2010.

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