open access

Vol 72, No 3 (2021)
Review article
Submitted: 2021-01-12
Accepted: 2021-07-14
Published online: 2021-09-29
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Mental health of Filipino seafarers and its implications for seafarers’ education

Sanley Salvacion Abila1, Iris Lavalle Acejo2
·
Pubmed: 34604987
·
IMH 2021;72(3):183-192.
Affiliations
  1. University of the Philippines Visayas, Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines
  2. Seafarers International Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom

open access

Vol 72, No 3 (2021)
MARITIME MEDICINE Review article
Submitted: 2021-01-12
Accepted: 2021-07-14
Published online: 2021-09-29

Abstract

This narrative review examines current academic literature on the mental health of Filipino seafarers working internationally, including the mental health effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Framed within a rights-based approach, it aims to identify and analyse emerging themes on Filipino seafarers’ mental health literature to understand what these studies potentially mean for the improvement of seafarers’ education on mental health. Based on a broad selection criteria, 28 eligible papers demonstrate collectively three key findings: firstly, there is paucity in published research on seafarers’ mental health; secondly, the majority of published studies are associated with a recent piracy crisis, where a significant number of mariners were attacked, taken as hostages, or killed; thirdly, three key areas emerged under which research on Filipino seafarers’ mental health can be organized: the medical repatriation of seafarers, system of care for the mental health of seafarers including the diagnostic standards used, and seafarers’ experiences and conceptions of mental health including the mental health effects of COVID-19. Though the bulk of the current understanding of the mental health problems is associated with piracy, several risk factors for which the quality of quantitative and qualitative evidence are patchy. The few sources of primary data to date lack focus on mental health needs which makes it difficult to grasp the extent of the problem. Developing policies and programmes for the promotion of mental health through mental health education among seafarers is important for a couple of reasons. Seafaring remains a dangerous and socially isolating occupation where work-related accidents are likely and will be potentially traumatic to mariners. Research on occupational stressors is increasingly providing evidence of their contributions to poor mental health outcomes among seafarers. Thus, mental health education of seafarers in the context of their work is important for proactive training and development.

Abstract

This narrative review examines current academic literature on the mental health of Filipino seafarers working internationally, including the mental health effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Framed within a rights-based approach, it aims to identify and analyse emerging themes on Filipino seafarers’ mental health literature to understand what these studies potentially mean for the improvement of seafarers’ education on mental health. Based on a broad selection criteria, 28 eligible papers demonstrate collectively three key findings: firstly, there is paucity in published research on seafarers’ mental health; secondly, the majority of published studies are associated with a recent piracy crisis, where a significant number of mariners were attacked, taken as hostages, or killed; thirdly, three key areas emerged under which research on Filipino seafarers’ mental health can be organized: the medical repatriation of seafarers, system of care for the mental health of seafarers including the diagnostic standards used, and seafarers’ experiences and conceptions of mental health including the mental health effects of COVID-19. Though the bulk of the current understanding of the mental health problems is associated with piracy, several risk factors for which the quality of quantitative and qualitative evidence are patchy. The few sources of primary data to date lack focus on mental health needs which makes it difficult to grasp the extent of the problem. Developing policies and programmes for the promotion of mental health through mental health education among seafarers is important for a couple of reasons. Seafaring remains a dangerous and socially isolating occupation where work-related accidents are likely and will be potentially traumatic to mariners. Research on occupational stressors is increasingly providing evidence of their contributions to poor mental health outcomes among seafarers. Thus, mental health education of seafarers in the context of their work is important for proactive training and development.

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Keywords

mental health of Filipino seafarers, mental health education of seafarers, COVID-19 and mental health of seafarers

About this article
Title

Mental health of Filipino seafarers and its implications for seafarers’ education

Journal

International Maritime Health

Issue

Vol 72, No 3 (2021)

Article type

Review article

Pages

183-192

Published online

2021-09-29

Page views

12014

Article views/downloads

4773

DOI

10.5603/IMH.2021.0035

Pubmed

34604987

Bibliographic record

IMH 2021;72(3):183-192.

Keywords

mental health of Filipino seafarers
mental health education of seafarers
COVID-19 and mental health of seafarers

Authors

Sanley Salvacion Abila
Iris Lavalle Acejo

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