OBJECTIVETo investigate the status of job burnout and its main influential factors in seafarers and to provide a scientific basis for ensuring the physical and psychological health of seafarers and increasing their working performance.

METHODSA total of 1027 seafarers, who underwent physical examination at Fujian International Travel Health Care Center from January to June, 2013, and left and entered China through the Fujian port, were selected. The status of job burnout was investigated using a job burnout scale. A total of 1027 questionnaires were sent out, and 989 valid ones (96.30%) were returned.

RESULTSThe scores of emotional exhaustion and cynicism were the highest in the youngest age group (<30 years), divorced or widowed group, or those with a monthly income per person over 10,000 yuan (P < 0.05). The score of reduced personal accomplishment was the highest in seafarers with a degree of junior high school or less or those with a monthly income per person of 3 000-6 000 yuan (P < 0.05). The highest scores of emotional exhaustion and cynicism were also seen in seafarers with the highest frequency of overtime working, high occupational stress, less than 6 hours' sleep per day, or poor sleep quality (P < 0.05). The highest score of reduced personal accomplishment was also seen in seafarers with the latest sail time lasting for more than six months, low occupational stress, or good sleep quality (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that poor sleep quality and occupational stress were the main risk factors for job burnout in seafarers, while physical exercise was a protective factor.

CONCLUSIONJob burnout among seafarers is influenced by many factors. Therefore, measures should be taken by relevant administrative departments and seafarers themselves to reduce the incidence of job burnout.