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Occupational risk perception, stressors and stress of fishermen
Affiliations- University Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine, Reims, Cedex, France
- Graduate School of Health Engineering, Casablanca, Morocco
- Moroccan Society of Maritime Health, Tangier, Morocco
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Abstract
Background: The aim of this survey was to assess the stress in fishermen by analysing its relationship
with sociodemographic and professional characteristics, by evaluating work stressors, and by estimating
psychosomatic symptoms.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey involved representative sample of 828 artisanal and
coastal fishermen. All participants were men and had a regular activity for at least 2 years. We used an
individual questionnaire inspired by those of the National Institute for Research and Security of France
and of the Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaire.
Results: The prevalence of self-reported stress was 53.9%. The average age was 36.7 ± 8.7 years, it was
higher among stressed than non-stressed. The prevalence of stress was higher in subjects with dependents
(69.1%) versus 30.9% without dependents, and among those living alone (61%) versus 47.5% among
those living in couple. The prevalence of harmful habits was 68.5% for tobacco smoking or snuff, 36.8%
for cannabis smoking, 35.4% for alcohol consumption, 8.6% for other psychotropic substances and medications,
and 21.4% for antalgic drugs. These toxic habits were significantly higher in stressed individuals.
Thirty-three point seven per cent had self-reported chronic pathologies (40.5% among stressed vs. 25.7%
non-stressed). Thirty-four per cent were overweight (38.3% among stressed vs. 28.8% non-stressed), and
14% obese (19.3% among stressed vs. 7.6% non-stressed). The average daily working hours were 11.2 h
(12.8 h among stressed subjects vs. 10.5 h non-stressed). Psychological demand was higher in stressed
subjects, while decisional latitude and social support were lower. Psychosomatic symptoms were higher
among stressed than non-stressed. The main suggestions of the fishermen were to improve income, social
welfare, health insurance, safety on board, quality of lifestyle, sport and leisure activities, information and
awareness campaigns of occupational stress, and fight against addictive behaviours.
Conclusions: Fishermen were at a high risk of chronic stress with its health consequences. Health promotion and
education initiatives should be conducted to raise fishermen’s awareness of the dangers of occupational stressors.
Abstract
Background: The aim of this survey was to assess the stress in fishermen by analysing its relationship
with sociodemographic and professional characteristics, by evaluating work stressors, and by estimating
psychosomatic symptoms.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey involved representative sample of 828 artisanal and
coastal fishermen. All participants were men and had a regular activity for at least 2 years. We used an
individual questionnaire inspired by those of the National Institute for Research and Security of France
and of the Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaire.
Results: The prevalence of self-reported stress was 53.9%. The average age was 36.7 ± 8.7 years, it was
higher among stressed than non-stressed. The prevalence of stress was higher in subjects with dependents
(69.1%) versus 30.9% without dependents, and among those living alone (61%) versus 47.5% among
those living in couple. The prevalence of harmful habits was 68.5% for tobacco smoking or snuff, 36.8%
for cannabis smoking, 35.4% for alcohol consumption, 8.6% for other psychotropic substances and medications,
and 21.4% for antalgic drugs. These toxic habits were significantly higher in stressed individuals.
Thirty-three point seven per cent had self-reported chronic pathologies (40.5% among stressed vs. 25.7%
non-stressed). Thirty-four per cent were overweight (38.3% among stressed vs. 28.8% non-stressed), and
14% obese (19.3% among stressed vs. 7.6% non-stressed). The average daily working hours were 11.2 h
(12.8 h among stressed subjects vs. 10.5 h non-stressed). Psychological demand was higher in stressed
subjects, while decisional latitude and social support were lower. Psychosomatic symptoms were higher
among stressed than non-stressed. The main suggestions of the fishermen were to improve income, social
welfare, health insurance, safety on board, quality of lifestyle, sport and leisure activities, information and
awareness campaigns of occupational stress, and fight against addictive behaviours.
Conclusions: Fishermen were at a high risk of chronic stress with its health consequences. Health promotion and
education initiatives should be conducted to raise fishermen’s awareness of the dangers of occupational stressors.
Keywords
fisheries; occupational; stress; health risk
About this articleTitle
Occupational risk perception, stressors and stress of fishermen
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
233-242
Published online
2018-12-19
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2118
Article views/downloads
1911
DOI
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
IMH 2018;69(4):233-242.
Keywords
fisheries
occupational
stress
health risk
Authors
Omar Laraqui
Nadia Manar
Salwa Laraqui
Tarik Ghailan
Frédéric Deschamps
Chakib El Houssine Laraqui
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