Health, Fitness, and Safety Knowledge as Determinants of Adverse Events in Recreational Divers in Poland

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Anonymous online questionnaire: Anonymous online questionnaire completed once by each participant (about 12 to 18 minutes). It captures demographic data, diving exposure and certification level, chronic health conditions, risky behaviours, estimated VO2max (University of Houston Non-Exercise Test), and a diving-safety knowledge test. No clinical procedures or biological sampling are involved; this is the observational data-collection instrument for the cohort.

Study summary

This cross-sectional online survey study assesses health status, physical fitness, and safety knowledge as potential determinants of diving-related adverse events among recreational divers in Poland. Recreational diving exposes participants to specific hazards, including decompression sickness (DCS) and barotrauma of the middle ear, sinuses, and lungs. To date, no Polish study has simultaneously evaluated health, physical fitness, theoretical safety knowledge, and the occurrence of adverse events in this population. Adult divers (18 years or older) who completed at least one dive in the past 24 months and reside in Poland complete an anonymous online questionnaire (about 12 to 18 minutes). Physical fitness is estimated as VO2max using the University of Houston Non-Exercise Test (physical activity rating, age, BMI, and sex). Knowledge of DCS, barotrauma, and safe-diving rules is tested at three difficulty levels. The questionnaire also captures diving exposure, certification level, chronic health conditions, and risky behaviours (smoking, alcohol use, and diving beyond certification). The primary endpoint is the proportion of divers reporting at least one diving-related adverse event. Associations with certification level, estimated VO2max, BMI, and other factors are analysed using multivariable logistic regression. The study is non-interventional, anonymous, and carries minimal risk; no clinical procedures or biological sampling are involved.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Prevalence of diving-related adverse events — At enrollment (Day 1; single cross-sectional assessment)
  Proportion of divers reporting at least one diving-related adverse event (barotrauma symptoms, decompression sickness symptoms, or other post-dive health problems) occurring at any time during the participant's diving history up to enrollment (lifetime recall). Reported as a percentage with 95% confidence interval.

Trial sites (2)

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