Citation

Abila SS, Kitada M, Malecosio SJ, Tang L, Subong-Espina R. Inquiry (Rochester, NY) 2023; 60: e469580231162752.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Inquiry Journal and Excellus Health Plan)

DOI

10.1177/00469580231162752

PMID

36950721

PMCID

PMC10037725

Abstract

The academic literature seldom views information and communication technology (ICT) as a means to empower merchant seafarers in terms of their active and positive contributions to their mental health (MH) and overall well-being. Seafarers are often viewed as recipients and not the sources of health interventions. Using mixed methods, this paper examines how seafarers' MH has not been the top priority among seafarers themselves, and how ICT and formal education might empower seafarers in health promotion. The pervasive culture of "ship first" in the maritime industry is palpable in the findings of this study, where seafarers do not prioritize their MH because the ship's safe operations take precedence over everything else. Data shows that seafarers perceive MH interventions provided by companies as more useful when these have direct implications or effects on their families. In effect, seafarers may not see a priorities the physical and mental health support directly impacting their well-being. Nevertheless, there are some fundamental changes in the maritime industry in using technology to improve the MH of seafarers and their overall well-being, such as the development of MH applications ("apps"), helplines, or websites, coupled with the growing comfort of seafarers to use ICT.

Language: en

Keywords

Communication; Humans; mental health; Technology; *Mental Health; *Ships; education as health promotion; empowerment of seafarers; health promotion for seafarers; mental health education; Power, Psychological; seafarers’ mental health