Diving Related Injury and Illness among Scuba Divers in Malaysia and its Associated Factors
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Abstract
Introduction: Recreational scuba diving, a popular adventure sport, inherent risks such as high-pressure environments, and physical/ challenges, potentially leading to injuries or illnesses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diving-related issues among recreational scuba divers in Malaysia and identify associated factors. The findings inform preventive measures for stakeholders, including dive operators, instructors, and regulatory bodies. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at diving centres located in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, specifically in Perhentian and Tioman Islands. Data collection involved using a standardized proforma checklist, and the analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26. Descriptive analysis, as well as simple and multiple logistic regression, were employed to analyze the data. Results: Out of 407 scuba divers, 145 (36.1%) reported diving-related injuries or illnesses. The most common conditions were barotrauma (17.9%), muscle cramps (14.0%), and panic attacks (10.1%). Divers with injuries or illnesses were predominantly male, Malaysian, open water certification holder, used personal gear, and with mean age 31.13 (SD=6.23). Level of diving certificate was significantly associated with diving-related injury/illness according to multiple logistic regression, with adjusted odds ratio of 3.78 (95% CI: 1.68, 8.49; p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study underscores the imperative of enhancing diver safety and emphasizes the vital need to improve safety in Malaysian recreational scuba diving. The observed association between lower certifications and injuries underscores the importance of targeted preventive measures for stakeholders, contributing to overall advancements in diving safety protocols in Malaysia.
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