A squatter settlement: Social Life of Fishermen at Sea

Ibrahim Hyderi is located at the Arabian Sea coast, Bin Qasim town, Karachi. It’s a 300 years old village having a population of around 40,000. Fishing is the main occupation which often takes place in the hostile marine... [ view full abstract ]

Ibrahim Hyderi is located at the Arabian Sea coast, Bin Qasim town, Karachi. It’s a 300 years old village having a population of around 40,000. Fishing is the main occupation which often takes place in the hostile marine environment. Living and working space on board are usually inadequate and entertainment opportunities are limited.
The main aim of the study was to have awareness about the social life of fishermen at sea during the fishing period. This cross sectional study was conducted at Ibrahim Hyderi . A standardized questionnaire was used for data collection. A convenient non probability sample of 20 professional fishermen was enrolled.
The study reveals that 55% fishermen stayed at sea for two weeks with 5-10 people; 35% were allowed to sleep aptly; 60% resorted to the use of cigarettes, paan and guthka; 45% accepted using alcohol and 55% substance abuse; 75% expressed some knowledge about alcoholism and substance abuse; 55% stated they had no issues of sexual needs at work; 70% demonstrated strict self control when sexual need arise. About 65% had no idea about diseases like HIV and Hep C. About the social life on boat, 65% labeled the environment on boat as friendly.
Lack of proper sleep, fatigue, minimum means of entertainment on boat works as fuel to the plight of fishermen. The lengthy and hectic schedules of sea life affect their lives at home. At sea, often the fishermen remain exposed to the hazards of alcoholism, substance abuse and other malpractices. A relative absence of knowledge about diseases may form a potential pool of diseases.
Key words: fishing , community, social life, sea, awareness, substance abuse, self control, alcoholism.