SEAFARERS' WIVES AND INTERMITTENT HUSBANDS- SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF A SUBGROUP OF NORWEGIAN SEAFARERS' WORK SCHEDULE ON THEIR FAMILIES

Objective – To examine the psycho-social impact of work schedules (absence from home) on the families of a subgroup of Norwegian seafarers as reported by their wives (sea wives). Their husbands worked 4-6 weeks on and 4-6 weeks off Norwegianregistered multipurpose vessels (MPV) supporting the off-shore oil industry. Methods – Questionnaires addressing demographic characteristics, marital satisfaction, social support, subjective health and psychological well-being were distributed to sea wives and controls .The response rate was 57% (192/336) for sea wives and 39% (45/114) for controls Results – There was no difference in demographic characteristics between sea wives and controls except that the sea wives were younger (p Conclusions – The MPV seafarers’ absence from home in a 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off (or a 6 weeks on and 6 weeks off) rotation schedule appears to be well tolerated by their families. However, being alone for weeks at the time may exaggerate acute and chronic shore-side problems, and some sea wives may feel a need for more social support during their husbands’ absence.