Crew awareness as key to optimizing habitability standards onboard naval platforms: A 'back-to basics' approach
Journal Title: Medical Journal Armed Forces - Year 2017, Vol 73, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: A healthy habitable environment onboard warships is vital to operational fleet efficiency and fit sea-warrier force. Unique man-machine-armament interface issues and consequent constraints on habitability necessitate a multi-disciplinary approach toward optimizing habitability standards. Study of the basic 'human factor', including crew aware- ness on what determines shipboard habitability, and its association with habitation specifications is an essential step in such an approach. The aim of this study was to assess crew awareness on shipboard habitability and the association between awareness and maintenance of optimal habitability as per specifications. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 552 naval personnel onboard warships in Mumbai. Data on crew awareness on habitability was collected using a standardized questionnaire, and correlated with basic habitability requirement specifications. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, Epi-info, and SPSS version 17. Results: Awareness level on basic habitability aspects was very good in 65.3% of crew. Areaspecific awareness was maximum with respect to living area (95.3%). Knowledge levels on waste management were among the lowest (65.2%) in the category of aspect-wise aware- ness. Statistically significant association was found between awareness levels and habitability standards (OR = 7.27). Conclusion: The new benchmarks set in the form of high crew awareness levels on basic shipboard habitability specifications and its significant association with standards needs to be sustained. It entails re-iteration of healthy habitation essentials into training; and holds the key to a fit fighting force.
Authors and Affiliations
Anand Neelakantan
Keywords
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