Body mass index in association with decompression sickness events: cross-sectional study among small-scale fishermen-divers in southeast Mexico

Introduction: Decompression sickness is endemic to small-scale fishermen-divers from coastal communities in southeast Mexico; overweight and obesity are also highly prevalent in the region. Existing literature suggests it is possible that fat tissue could play a role in decompression sickness pathophysiology. Our aim in this study is to describe the association between the number and severity of DCS events treated at the hyperbaric program and fishermen-diver body mass index.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we obtained anthropometric measurements of 105 fishermen-divers and reviewed clinical records of each participant at a hyperbaric program.

Results: Average BMI among participants was 34.5 ± 4.7, while 9.5% (n=10) were healthy-weighted, 28.6% (n=30) were overweight and 42.8% (n=65) were obese. Number of DCS events per diver was associated with BMI and severity of DCS in linear regression models.

Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are highly preventable health problems; our results suggest that an association between these conditions and the frequency and the severity of DCS are an important topic to be further considered in longitudinal prospective studies.