title: Extrinsic skin ageing symptoms in seafarers subject to high work-related exposure to UV radiation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  As outdoor workers, seafarers have high levels of work-related exposure to UV radiation. Considering the various ethnic shipboard crews, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of UV induced skin ageing symptoms among seafarers and their attitude towards sunlight exposure.
  
  
  METHODS
  One dermatologist examined 514 seafarers and documented the presence of 11 extrinsic skin ageing symptoms. Based on a questionnaire, the seafarers' attitudes and sun protection were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On average, 4 extrinsic skin ageing symptoms were found among the seafarers without significant differences between ethnic groups. Teleangiectasis (n = 381), coarse wrinkles (n = 315) and lentigines solares (n = 228) were the most frequently observed extrinsic symptoms. In the multivariate analysis, the parameters current smoking (OR 1.52 (1.01-2.27)), shipboard rank (deck personnel, galley staff vs. engine room personnel; (OR 1.40 (1.01-1.94)), and age (OR 1.07 (1.05-1.10)) were significantly associated with developing skin ageing symptoms. Only half of the seafarers examined were aware of their elevated risk of photodamage due to their high UV exposure at sea. More non-Caucasian than Caucasian seafarers perceived tanned skin as rather positive (78.0% vs. 52.4%; p = 0.002); however, more Caucasian than non-Caucasian seafarers enjoyed intensive sunbathing (17.0% vs. 14.0%). Furthermore, 55.7% of the seafarers (significantly more often Caucasians) used sunscreens during sunlight exposure at sea.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The various ethnic groups examined differed in their attitude and behaviour towards shipboard sun exposure. Education of shipboard crews is required about possible severe health effects due to sun exposure at sea.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine.
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oldenburg
authors.forename: Beate
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kuechmeister
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ohnemus
authors.forename: Xaver
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Baur
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Moll
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004890:Erythema / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007911:Lentigo / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009326:Naval Medicine; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016272:Occupational Health; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012767:Ships; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000208:ethnology; D012907:Smoking; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents
keywords: UV radiation exposure; seafarers; skin ageing symptoms