Sea Life

Abstract

ABSTRACT… Objectives:To have a look on the effect of sea life by checking blood pressure and testing blood fasting sugar, total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides of the sea farers deployed on different positions at ship. Study design: This was a cross sectional descriptive and clinical study. Setting: Port Health Department, Kemari, Karachi. Period: 1 st October 2016 to 22 April 2017. Methods: Random sampling was done and a total 62 personnel from different branches of ships were selected. The study subjects aged ≥ 25 belonging to different shipping companies were called at Port health dispensary for collection of blood sample and checking of blood pressure. Height and weight measurement was done and also smoking history was revealed. Blood Tests, fasting sugar, HDL, Cholesterol, and Triglycerides were performed. Results: Overall the age range was 25 -55 years and a mean of +/-SD of 38.95 +/-8.57. Maximum population was of the age group 36 -45 years. Hypertension both systolic and diastolic in all seafarer (100%) was the main findings. HDL and Triglycerides were also found grossly raised. Age, height, weight, and smoking history data showed non-significant (P>0.05) results. Also, Professional categories and laboratory findings results were not found significant P >0.05. Conclusion: Seafaring is one of the hard profession which terribly affect the health of sea farers. Preventive measures at primary and secondary level to be organized and implemented.