Abstract
Since seafarers are known to be exposed to numerous job-related stress factors that can cause fatigue, sleepiness, and disturbed sleep behaviour, the aim of this review was to provide an overview of the subjective and objective measurement methods of these strains. Using a systematic review, 166 studies were identified within the period of January 2010 to December 2020 using the PubMed database. Of the 21 studies selected, 13 used both subjective and objective measurement methods. Six studies used only subjective and two studies only objective methods. For subjective assessment, 12 different questionnaires could be identified as well as activity and sleeping logs. Actigraphy and reaction time tests (RTT) were the most common objective methods. In single cases, electrooculography (EOG), pupillometry and ambulatory polysomnography (PSG) were used. Measurement-related limitations due to vessel-related impacts were less often reported than expected. No restrictions of daily routines on board were described, and only single-measurement disturbances due to ship movements were mentioned. The present literature review reveals that there are various routines to measure fatigue, sleepiness, and sleep behaviour on board. A combination of subjective and objective methods often appears to be beneficial. The frequent use of actigraphy and RTT on board suggests good feasibility and reliable measurements with these methods. The use of ambulatory PSG in maritime-like contexts suggests that this method would also be feasible on board.
Highlights
Since a certain number of studies have already examined these strains using a wide variety of methods, this review aims to provide an overview of the objective and subjective measurement methods of fatigue, sleepiness, and sleep behaviour used on board
The studies were conducted in the period from 2002 to 2018, with only ten studies reporting a specific study year
Analysis of the studies’ methods of measuring fatigue, sleepiness, and sleep behaviour revealed that 13 studies used both subjective and objective measurement methods
Summary
Measurement Methods ofFatigue, Sleepiness, and Sleep BehaviourAboard Ships: A Systematic Review.Int. As part of the interdisciplinary project “e-healthy ship”—which aims to optimise health management on board without the presence of doctors—a systematic literature search of maritime field studies covering the observation period from January 2010 to December 2020 was conducted using the PubMed database. Studies were independently screened for eligibility by three reviewers. Studies on fatigue or sleep in seafarers were identified using the following search terms or MeSHTerms (Medical Subject Headings):. (sailor*[Title/Abstract] OR seafarer*[Title/Abstract] OR seamen[Title/Abstract] OR seaman [Title/Abstract] OR naval[Title/Abstract] OR ship[Title/Abstract] OR shipping[Title/Abstract].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
