Feasibility of Wearable Digital Healthcare Devices among Korean Male Seafarers: A Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: This study is a pilot evaluation of the applicability of wearable digital healthcare devices for Korean male seafarers. Seafarers are exposed to health risks due to unstable and confined living conditions, and their access to healthcare services be-comes significantly challenging, especially with the substantial decrease in physical ac-tivity onboard. This study aimed to monitor the physical activity of these seafarers through wearable devices and evaluate the potential of managing their health using these technologies. Methods: During the 12-week study, which included 11 participants, it was confirmed that monitoring physical activity using wearable devices and smartphone ap-plications was effective. Results: The results showed significant differences in blood pressure reduction (p = .011) and positive changes in clinical indicators of metabolic syn-drome, such as weight loss. Satisfaction with the use of wearable devices was found to be moderate. Conclusions: Such digital healthcare can encourage the maintenance of healthy habits by continuously monitoring physical activity and providing feedback. Considering the difficulties seafarers face in accessing medical services, the adoption of digital healthcare through wearable devices is essential, contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases and overall health improvement of seafarers. Future research should explore the long-term benefits and potential challenges of these digital healthcare solutions on a larg-er scale.