Published: 30 Oct 2018
As you may know, the Seafarers' Section and ITF Seafarers' Trust has commissioned Yale University to work on a unique project funded by the ITF/Seafarers Trust. The primary objective of this project is to increase the mental health wellness and overall wellbeing of seafarers by understanding risk factors associated with seafarer stress, depression, and anxiety.
This study was prioritised based on reports from seafarers and seafarer advocacy groups that mental health of seafarers is currently a major concern, coupled with the fact that research in this field is substantially limited. Findings from the study will promote greater understanding of the mental health burden in seafarers, reduce stigma associated with mental illness, identify and reduce risks for depression and anxiety, and allow for appropriate recommendations to improve the shipping environment in terms of mental health support.
The project goals will be achieved by surveying a large and representative population of global seafarers. The survey is anonymous, does not ask any identifying information, and takes about 10 minutes to complete. It has been tested by Dr. Rafael Lefkowitz of Yale University with approximately 100 seafarers at the Port of Newark, New Jersey (USA), with improvements based on the participant’s feedback. The final electronic survey is now ready to be distributed globally, and we are aiming to reach a minimum of 2000 seafarers.
To achieve the most meaningful results, capable of improving the seafarer mental health for today’s seafarers, we need your help in bringing Yale’s electronic seafarer mental health and wellness survey to your seafarers.
Here is the link to the online survey (English language only): https://yalesurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Toq6AIDQMlvhvn
The closing date for receiving completed surveys is 15 January 2019.
