Prevalence and associated factors of psychosocial distress among seafarers during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background In the context of growing concerns about seafarers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of psychosocial distress among seafarers of ocean-going vessels during the current health emergency. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 470 multinational seafarers working on two oil tanker international shipping companies. Psychosocial distress was assessed by using Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21). General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to assessed genral psychiatry disorders and self-rate anxiety. Perceived health status was assessed by a single-item question. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between demographic and work-related variables with mental health outcomes. Results Overall, 439 out of 470 invited seafarers with a mean age of 34.5 (SD: 8.05) participated in this study (participation rate: 93.4%). The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of depression, anxiety, stress, self-rated anxiety, general psychiatric disorders, and poor perceived health status was 12.3% (9.4–15.7), 11.6% (8.7–15.0), 5.9% (3.9–8.5), 2.1% (0.9–3.8), 42.6% (38.0–47.4), and 4.3% (2.6–6.6), respectively. In the multivariate model, by increasing the duration of stay (per month) on board, the odds of depression increased by 20% (OR: 1.20 (95% CI: 1.02–1.40)). Also, non-officer seafarers experienced significantly lower psychosocial distress such as anxiety and stress levels than officers. Conclusion High prevalence of depression, anxiety, and general psychiatric disorders among seafarers during COVID-19 was observed. Our findings also highlight the factors that need to be considered to protect seafarers’ mental well-being. Further studies to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health issues at sea are recommended.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of seafarers: A comparison using matched samples

“…Previous cross-sectional studies on seafarers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic ( Baygi et al, 2021 , Qin et al, 2021 ) suggested that the pandemic might have led to an increase in mental health problems. However, due to the cross-sectional design, these studies could not account for the pre-pandemic levels of seafarers’ depression and anxiety.…”

“…Emerging evidence is sparse and less systematic, but points toward negative impacts of the current crisis on seafarers’ mental health and well-being. Baygi et al (2021) , in a cross-sectional study of 439 international seafarers, found a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders, depression and anxiety. Moreover, length of time on board was associated with increased risk of depression.…”

“…Emerging studies focusing on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in seafaring as well as other occupations also point towards the idea that respondent and work-related characteristics can play a role in how people experience the pandemic and respond to the challenges posed by this global crisis. For example, Baygi et al (2021) identify respondent characteristics such as age, marital status and work-related factors such as the length of stay on board and hierarchical level as having significant associations with the severity of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms reported by seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Evidence from other sectors suggests that the additional challenges brought by the pandemic have negative consequences for employees’ ability to cope ( Juvet et al, 2021 ), and contribute to increasing rates of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ( Salazar de Pablo et al, 2020 ; Sheraton et al, 2020 ). While many of these studies relate to employees in the healthcare sector or the general population, there is some emerging evidence that seafarers also experienced high levels of psychological distress, depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic ( Baygi et al, 2021 , Qin et al, 2021 ). However, given the country-specific ( Qin et al, 2021 ) or company-specific ( Baygi et al, 2021 ) samples and the cross-sectional design of these studies, existing evidence does not allow systematic comparison with pre-pandemic levels.…”

“…While many of these studies relate to employees in the healthcare sector or the general population, there is some emerging evidence that seafarers also experienced high levels of psychological distress, depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic ( Baygi et al, 2021 , Qin et al, 2021 ). However, given the country-specific ( Qin et al, 2021 ) or company-specific ( Baygi et al, 2021 ) samples and the cross-sectional design of these studies, existing evidence does not allow systematic comparison with pre-pandemic levels. Hence it is unclear whether the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has actually increased mental health problems among seafarers compared to pre-pandemic levels.…”