occupational-health-2018-posters-abstracts

Occupational Health 2018

Journal of Nursing and Health Studies

ISSN: 2574-2825

Page 63

May 28-29, 2018

London, UK

Edition of International Conference on

Occupational Health and

Safety

ecent changes in the maritime industry have escalated

occupational stressors at sea, often challenging thewell-being

of seafarers. Faster turnaround schedules in ports, increased

technology, decreasedpersonnel, labour intensification, andsocial

isolation have all affected the seafaring landscape. Seafarers are

anoccupational groupamongst thoseat thehighest risk for stress,

which may in turn influence their mental and physical health. The

overall aim of this study was to contribute to the current body

of knowledge on facilitators and barriers of the psychosocial

well-being of maritime workers, with a view to identifying how

organisational policies could support optimal working conditions

at sea. Qualitative analysis was conducted comprising 11 semi-

structured interviews and 5 focus groups with superintendents,

officers and ratings/crew of a large shipping company to explore

their perceptions and experiences of stress, resilience and well-

being. Qualitative data was analysed using the descriptive and

interpretive qualitative methods. Findings indicated psychosocial

factors that impacted on stress, resilience and well-being on

board. Psychosocial factors were varied including the importance

of shore leave, the significance of high-quality food on board,

the importance of socialisation on board, and the effects of

diverse cultures and nationalities on well-being. Supporting

the psychosocial well-being of seafarers may benefit both the

individual seafarer and their employer, through improved well-

being and increased work performance, comprising a virtuous

reinforcing cycle. Importantly, however, a work environment seen

as supportive and just is necessary to provide a good platform

upon which individually focused psychological interventions can

be optimally applied?

Perceptions and experiences of stress, resilience and well-

being amongst merchant seafarers

Joanne McVeigh

Maynooth University, Ireland

J Nurs Health Stud 2018, Volume 3

DOI: 10.21767/2574-2825-C2-006