Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)

Background: Little information is available on the trend in cardiovascular risk factors and hepatic enzymes in Iranian seafarers. The present study aimed to assess the pattern of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, elevated serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) in Iranian seafarers during 2010 to 2014.

Methods: Data on cardiovascular risk factors and hepatic enzymes were extracted from seafarers’ annual health examination of National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) of 2010, 2012, and 2014. Over weight was defined as BMI (Body Mass Index) >25 kg/m²; obesity was defined as BMI>=30 kg/m²; hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP)> 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)> 90 mmHg or a history of antihypertensive drug use; diabetes (DM) was defined as fasting blood sugar (FBS) > 110 mg/dl or having a history of oral hypoglycemic agents; elevated SGOT and SGPT were defined as SGOT > 40 U/L and SGPT > 40 U/L, respectively.

Results: The BMI mean values of Iranian seafarers were 24.81±3.07 kg/m², 25.51±2.96 kg/m², and 25.96 ± 3.02 kg/m² in 2010, 2012, and 2014, respectively. A significant difference was observed in BMI over the study period. The mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not significantly increase over the time. The SGOT and SGPT means were not significantly different from 2010 to 2014. The prevalence of over weight increased significantly from 46.7% to 60.9% over the study period, and the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, elevated SGOT, and elevated SGPT did not change significantly.

Conclusion: The current survey showed that the obesity problem has increased among Iranian seafarers working on tankers, which is a concerning problem since obesity has negative effect on seafarers’ health.