Mortality among danish merchant seamen from 1970 to 1985

Abstract

A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the mortality patterns of Danish merchant seamen in the period 1970-1985. The population census in 1970 in Denmark was the source of information on individual occupation, age, and marital status. All men aged 20-64 years and economically active in 1970 were included. Computerized linkage with the Danish Mortality Register gave information about the deceased persons' date and cause of death. An increased overall mortality among all groups of seamen was found, being highest for deck and engine crew members. The overall mortality was strongly dependent on age and marital status. The highest mortality rate ratios (MRR) were found among young seamen and unmarried seamen. MRRs of 1.90 and 2.47 for cancer of the respiratory system were found among engine officers and crew. The MRRs for accidents and suicide were increased for all seamen, and were highest for crew members, among whom the MRR from accidents was stable within age groups but fell for suicide with increasing age. The same pattern was found with cirrhosis of the liver, although this was positively associated with increasing age. Excess mortality from ischemic heart disease was only found among engine crew (MRR = 1.43). This study confirms earlier findings of high mortality among seafarers. Negative selection into the occupation, occupational environmental factors, and lack of health and safety promotion programs and education could be causes of the high mortality.

The metabolic syndrome among Danish seafarers

“…This is a fierce change compared to previous conditions. Several previous Danish studies have shown the heavy health impact of smoking and alcohol consumption among Danish seafarers [13,[29][30][31].…”

Health-related selection to seafaring occupations and its effects on morbidity and mortality

“…In a number of studies from different countries, seamen have been found to show increased rates of mental illness and mortality [Brandt et al, 1994;Kelman and Kavaler, 1990;Leigh and Jiang, 1993;Otterland, 1960;Rapiti et al, 1992;Sundby and Nyhus, 1963;Sundby, 1956;Vuksanovic and Goethe, 1986;Ågren and Romelsjö, 1992;Ö degård, 1945;Ö degård, 1956]. Alcohol consumption also seems to be high among seafarers [Brun-Gulbrandsen and IrgensJensen, 1967;Olkinuora, 1984;Powdermaker, 1945;Rose and Glatt, 1961;Whitehead and Simpkins, 1983;Åmark, 1951].…”

Cancer incidence among Icelandic deck officers in a population-based study

“…The results indicated an increased risk of all cancers, larynx cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer (1). Scandinavian studies dealing with cancer risk among deck officers in particular have shown an increased risk of all cancers (2,3), lung cancer and larynx cancer (3), nonmelanoma skin cancer (3,4), kidney and brain cancer (4), and soft-tissue sarcoma (3).…”