Disabling diseases and disabilities in professional divers from the region of Murcia (Spain)

Abstract

Background: Professional diving is an activity that is carried out more and more frequently, due to the great professional opportunities it offers. It is a job with high responsibility and a lot of risk, involving low temperatures, adverse weather conditions, and high pressures, which requires the diver to be in optimal conditions. The general objective of this research work is to analyze disabling diseases and disabilities in professional divers in the Region of Murcia. Material and methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study, type of case series, has been carried out to analyze the causes and factors of the disabilities that occurred in 169 professional divers in the region of Murcia (Spain) from 2014 to 2020. Results: The accumulated incidence of disability in seven years, with 39 cases, is 230.7 subjects per 1,000 divers, much higher than that of the rest of the maritime workers, which turns out to be 130.1/1000 in the same period of time. The average age is 33.7 ± 7.2 years, and the professional experience is 9.6 ± 6.1 years. Occupational diseases and work accidents were responsible for 15 (38.55%) cases. Otorhinolaryngologic (33.3%), musculoskeletal (25.6%), and psychiatric (10.2%) pathologies are the three most common causes. Conclusions: Perfect physical condition, health and, especially, age in professional diving are a limitation, the latter being a risk indicator, so it is essential that the professional is in optimal physical condition and is aware of the limitations to carry out said professional activity, due to the great adversity it entails in being able to carry out it throughout one’s entire active working life.