Studying the Health and Performance of Shipboard Sailors: An Evidence Map

ABSTRACT Introduction It is estimated that sailors who are assigned to surface ships and submarines deployed for more than 1 year across their careers they spend 15% 23% of time away from home. Research suggests shipboard experience rates behavioral health issues similar those with ground combat experiences. Despite the rigorous operational tempo unique environment experienced by these service members, little military research has examined outcomes serving aboard ships. The objectives this study were develop an evidence map peer-reviewed literature (1) identify potential threats readiness sailors, (2) performance population, (3) gaps in current published on performance. Materials Methods A systematic review existing pertaining health, experiences, members was conducted. Comprehensive search terms used articles between January 2000 April 2018. Identified subject a two-level process. Study characteristics all selected final extracted, categorized into 13 content areas priori. Findings presented map. Results initial yielded 8,858 articles, 90 which eligible full review. Most primarily active duty U.S. or other foreign militaries (88.9%). total 60 (67.8%) included information about type ship studied; most frequently (29.5%) aircraft carriers (27.9%). studies cross-sectional (63.3%) longitudinal (24.4%) designs. Only 7.8% (n = 7) described interventions. commonly focal physical issues, such as viral infections injuries (56.7%), behaviors, substance use/misuse (40.0%). Other addressed occupational stress (38.9%), interpersonal (32.2%), conditions (30.0%), mental (28.9%). (73.3%) one area. There high degree variation measurement tools used; self-report surveys common (48.9%), followed objective physical, biological, cognitive measures (32.2%) medical personnel record reviews (31.1%). Conclusions identified various sailors. These lack risk factors relationship stressors life sailors’ performance, readiness. results should be inform development, implementation, evaluation interventions improve and/or preventive behaviors while underway deployed.