Characteristics the Living, Working Conditions, and Nutrition of Seafarers Working on Transoceanic Ships: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Seafaring is a particularly strenuous and hazardous profession. When sailing at sea, the ship is both a living place and a working place for the seafarers. Working conditions at sea are extremely difficult, they often have to work in harsh conditions of nature and workers have to suffer loneliness, isolation from the mainland. The aim of this research is to describe the living, working conditions, and nutrition of seafarers working on transoceanic ships. Subjects and Methods: Four hundred Vietnamese crew members working on 21 ocean freighters docked at Hai Phong and Cai Lan ports in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam in 2021. Using cross-sectional, descriptive, epidemiological methods through observation and measurement of the room area, the area of the gym, the equipment for exercise on the ship of the crew; direct interviews with all crew members about living, working and nutritional conditions on board: Recreational conditions; physical training; drink beer, wine; smoke; shiftwork; time a sea trip; micro-social environment on board; the crew’s nutrition. Results: Micro-social environment on board (100% male), 100% crew working in shifts work; the living room and the gym room are narrow; monotonous, boring life, poor cultural and spiritual activities; inadequate and lack of exercise equipment. 61.5% of crew members smoke; 48.7% of seafarers do not exercise, 32.5% exercise infrequently, 18.8% exercise regularly; 88.7% of seafarers drink alcohol, of which 22.5% of seafarer’s abuse alcohol. The crew’s nutrition is unreasonable and unbalanced, excess protein, lipid, and lack of green vegetables: Unreasonable diet (79.2%); excess energy diet (68.8%); diets high in protid (58.5%), high in lipids (54.8%), unbalanced in the ratio of animal/vegetable protid (50.2%), and lack of fiber (79.2%). Conclusion: The living and working conditions of crew members are still difficult and not guaranteed. Improper and unbalanced nutrition, excess protein, and lipid but lack of fruit and fiber.