Objectives: The aim of this survey was to compare the level of professional stress
among seamen – crew members - who work on French oceanographic vessels to the one
of technicians and engineers from the oceanographic institute, who board the ships to
operate special equipment during sea voyages.
Results: two groups of subjects were included: 74 seamen and 74 non seamen, males
of comparable ages were questioned. Results showed that there was no significant
difference in strain at work and social support between them (41 seamen and 50 non
seaman professionals who filled in the questionnaires). There was a very significant
difference in the decision latitude: much lower level for seamen as compared to non
seamen. 17% compared to zero percent of non seamen were ranked in the heavy
strain/low decision latitude category regarded by Karasek as a high risk of stress
(compared to 0% of non seaman professionals). 33% of seamen in this group reached a
score that indicated psychical stress according to Langner’s total health test.
Conclusion: The results of the survey show that the occupation of seamen includes
specific elements regarded by Karasek as leading to a risk of stress.
Method: Two questionnaires were used for collecting data:
- Langner’s total health test (22 items) that investigates the level of psychical
stress,
- Karasek’s "Job Content Questionnaire" (38 items) used for investigation of
strain at work, psychological pressure, decision latitude and social support.
Data were processed by a statistical software : Sphinx, using Chi² test.
Results: two groups of subjects were included: 74 seamen and 74 non seamen, males
of comparable ages were questioned. Results showed that there was no significant
difference in strain at work and social support between them (41 seamen and 50 non
seaman professionals who filled in the questionnaires). There was a very significant
difference in the decision latitude: much lower level for seamen as compared to non
seamen. 17% compared to zero percent of non seamen were ranked in the heavy
strain/low decision latitude category regarded by Karasek as a high risk of stress
(compared to 0% of non seaman professionals). 33% of seamen in this group reached a
score that indicated psychical stress according to Langner’s total health test.
Conclusion: The results of the survey show that the occupation of seamen includes
specific elements regarded by Karasek as leading to a risk of stress