MORTALITY AMONG DANISH MERCHANT SEAMEN FROM 1970 TO 1985

A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the mortality pa tterns of Danish merchant seamen in the period 1970-1985. The populati on census in 1970 in Denmark was the source of information on individu al occupation, age, and marital status. All men aged 20-64 years and e conomically active in 1970 were included. Computerized linkage with th e Danish Mortality Register gave information about the deceased person s' date and cause of death. An increased overall mortality among all g roups of seamen was found, being highest for deck and engine crew memb ers. The overall mortality was strongly dependent on age and marital s tatus. The highest mortality rate ratios (MRR) were found among young seamen and unmarried seamen. MRRs of 1.90 and 2.47 for cancer of the r espiratory system were found among engine officers and crew. The MRRs for accidents and suicide were increased for all seamen, and were high est for crew members, among whom the MRR from accidents was stable wit hin age groups but fell for suicide with increasing age. The same patt ern was found with cirrhosis of the liver, although this was positivel y associated with increasing age. Excess mortality from ischemic heart disease was only found among engine crew (MRR = 1.43). This study con firms earlier findings of high mortality among seafarers. Negative sel ection into the occupation, occupational environmental factors, and la ck of health and safety promotion programs and education could be caus es of the high mortality. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.