Knowledge of seamen and fishermen on risk factors of diseases of the circulatory system.

A total of 1352 seafarers and deep-sea fishermen were interviewed with the use of a questionnaire regarding their knowledge on risk factors in cardiovascular diseases. A great majority of them knew about the harmful effect of tobacco smoking (88.4 per cent of persons interviewed), arterial hypertension (75.7 per cent), and diet rich in fats which contributes to increasing the level of serum cholesterol (75.2 per cent); only 43.2 per cent marked diabetes mellitus as a risk factor. The knowledge on the above risk factors was not enough to change their attitude and habits, with regard to smoking and diet. Preventive interventions should be intensified on ships in order to promote the health of crews. Maritime medicine staff should play more active role in this health promotion programme.