Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-4 | Issue-12 | 1389-1392
Original Research Article
Fatigue and Sleepiness in Aircrew: Experience of the Aeromedical Expertise Center of Rabat (CEMPN)
Houda Echchachoui, Zakaria Iloughmane, Mouna El ghazi, Fahd Bennani smires, Meryem Zerrik, Mohamed Chemsi
Published : Dec. 30, 2018
Abstract
Fatigue is often cited as a contributing factor in air incidents and accidents. Usually, the words "fatigue" and "sleepiness" are used by aircrew to describe the same feelings, a questionnaire has been developed for subjective level assessment of fatigue and sleepiness among Moroccan aircrew. A 4-month prospective study including all aircrew (civilian, military) and air traffic controllers was conducted at the Aero-medical center of Rabat during their review visit. The questionnaire included the Pichot scale for fatigue and Epworth scale for sleepiness. It was filled anonymously. Out of more than 400 cards distributed, only 200 were exploitable. 23% of the subjects in the study had moderate fatigue. 6.5% of the sample presented moderate sleepiness and 4.5% had excessive daytime sleepiness. These two states seem to be preponderant in young aircrew population especially cabin crews. The occurrence of fatigue and daytime sleepiness in aircrew especially at the beginning of their career can be explained by the difficulty of adapting to aeronautical constraints. It is important to remember the countermeasures of fatigue to preserve aviation safety