Occupation-related health problems among fishermen in the Hikkaduwa fisheries harbour

Introduction: Fishing is recognised as one of the hazardous occupations in the world with risks including accidental and environmental injuries, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and psychosocial stressors. Despite the cultural and economic importance, there is limited research on fishermen in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to assess the occupation-related health problems among fishermen registered in the Hikkaduwa fisheries harbour, Galle, Sri Lanka.
Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 registered fishermen, selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic details, occupational characteristics, injuries, NCDs, risk behaviours, preventive practices and psychosocial burden. Data were analysed using SPSSTM version 26.0, applying descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (p < 0.05). 
Results: All participants were male (n=244), with the majority (43.9%) aged between 46-60 years, engaged in multiday fishing (88.9%), and having over 20 years of experience (43.9%). Occupational injuries were reported by 76.2%; majority belonged to the category of sharp injuries (64.5%). Visual impairment was common (77.7%), and 68.9% has had injuries from oceanic creatures, predominantly jellyfish (74.0%). The most prevalent symptom among them was back pain (65.2%). Diabetes mellitus (15.2%), and hypertension (11.5%) were the common NCDs identified. Risk behaviours were frequent; alcohol use (75.8%) and smoking (74.2%). Formal safety training significantly reduced injury occurrence (χ²=28.3, p<0.001). Majority (65.3%) of them experienced moderate psychosocial burden. 
Conclusions and recommendations: The prevalence of accidental and environmental injuries, alcohol consumption, smoking, and back pain were high among fishermen. A formal training in safety significantly reduced injury occurrence. If proper health promotional and better screening methods had been provided, many of the conditions could have been prevented. Future research should assess psychosocial burden using more descriptive and validated tool.