SEA LIFE

Objectives: To have a look on the effect of sea life by checking blood pressureand testing blood fasting sugar, total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides of the sea farersdeployed on different positions at ship. Study design: This was a cross sectional descriptiveand clinical study. Setting: Port Health Department, Kemari, Karachi. Period: 1st October2016 to 22 April 2017. Methods: Random sampling was done and a total 62 personnel fromdifferent branches of ships were selected. The study subjects aged ≥ 25 belonging to differentshipping companies were called at Port health dispensary for collection of blood sample andchecking of blood pressure. Height and weight measurement was done and also smokinghistory was revealed. Blood Tests, fasting sugar, HDL, Cholesterol, and Triglycerides wereperformed. 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 systolicand diastolic in all seafarer (100%) was the main findings. HDL and Triglycerides were alsofound 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 foundsignificant P >0.05. Conclusion: Seafaring is one of the hard profession which terribly affectthe health of sea farers. Preventive measures at primary and secondary level to be organizedand implemented.