Analysis of Turkish seafarer's mental health status

In this study, the mental health status of Turkish seafarers who works on commercial ships was analyzed. Within the scope of this study, occupational satisfaction levels of seafarers with the survey created by the researcher, anxiety levels using the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) test, the level of depression and suicidal and self-harm thoughts were determined by using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) test. In addition, the findings were examined in relation with seafarers with various demographic variables. The study was applied to 403 seafarers. The analysis of the data obtained as a result of the research was done with the SPSS 22.0 package program, using the T-test and one-way analysis of variance. According to the results of the study; prevalence of anxiety among seamen 19.1%, depressive disorder 33.2% and the idea of suicide or self-harm was determined as 20.1%. YAB-7 test results are evaluated according to demagogic properties; it has been determined that the anxiety symptom levels of the seafarers who are male, young, single, have less experience, longer contract periods, and work in small ships and near voyages are higher than the other groups. HSA-9 test averages are evaluated according to demagogic characteristics; it has been observed that seafarers who are female, young, single, have less experience, have long term contracts, work in small ships and near voyages, have higher depression symptom levels compared to other groups. When suicide or self-harm thought is evaluated according to demagogic features; suicide or self-harming thoughts of seafarers who are male, young, single, have less experienc, have long-term contracts, work in small ships and near voyages, were found to be higher than other groups.