Factores psicosociales de riesgo y protectores en la tripulación que labora a bordo de embarcaciones de transporte de pasajeros en las Islas Galápagos

Abstract

Aim: The principal aim of this study was to identify significant variables associated with psychosocial risk and protective factors for merchant marine personnel working on passenger transport vessels in the Galapagos Islands. Method: A questionnaire with open-and-closed questions was used to explore the perceptions of 44 Ecuadorian seafarers, who rated 43 variables related to risk factors and 15 related to protective psychosocial factors. Results: The ranking of significant variables associated with psychosocial risk factors were (frequency shown in parentheses): poor Internet connection (38), separation from family (28), social isolation and little recreational activity (26), concern for loved ones (24), noise and heat (23), lack of access to goods/services (18), lack of physical exercise (17), lack of participation (16), among others. While the significant variables associated with protective factors were: punctual salary (33), free time at home (31), contact with their family (25), company benefits (22), relationship with co-workers and perception of a safe work environment (20). Conclusions: it should pay special attention to stress conditions related to the mental health of seafarers, and work on promoting those that generate well-being for them. It is important to investigate in the future the extra-work conditions that could influence the well-being of the collaborators.