Summary of Hypertension Among Vietnamese Seafarers
Hypertension is a significant global health issue, being a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 billion people were affected by hypertension in 2000, with several million attributed deaths. The prevalence rates are projected to escalate, which is concerning given hypertension’s role as a critical risk factor for severe cardiovascular conditions like stroke and heart failure.
In Vietnam, statistics reveal a troubling upward trend in hypertension among adults, with figures indicating a rise from 1% prevalence in 1960 to 18.9% in 2015 among adults aged 18-69. Specific demographics such as those aged 25-64 show an even higher prevalence, leading to a notable public health challenge.
Seafaring is identified as an exceptionally strenuous occupation characterized by hazardous working conditions. Seafarers face long durations at sea, often 9-12 months, coupled with exposure to harsh environmental factors and a stressful micro-social environment, contributing to mental health issues and increasing the likelihood of work-related diseases, including hypertension.
Recent studies elucidate that the prevalence of hypertension in seafarers is markedly higher than in land-based adults. For example, a study of 57,473 European sailors revealed a hypertension prevalence of 30.1%, while Danish seafarers recorded 44.7%. These rates underscore the need for specific studies focusing on the health of Vietnamese seafarers.
A recent cross-sectional study involving 708 Vietnamese seafarers aimed to investigate hypertension prevalence and associated risk factors. The results indicated a hypertension prevalence of 32.9%, with 25.1% classified as Grade I hypertension and 7.8% as Grade II. Additionally, 26.4% were found to be in a state of prehypertension. The study assessed various factors—including job duration, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol consumption—that correlate with hypertension.
The analysis showed that seafarers with over 10 years of experience are 8.23 times more likely to suffer from hypertension compared to their less experienced counterparts. Non-officers face a 2.11 times higher risk, and those working in engine rooms also showed an elevated risk due to harsh working conditions. Results emphasized the correlation between high BMI and waist-to-hip ratio with hypertension, highlighting that obese individuals are 3.34 times more likely to have the condition.
Moreover, lifestyle factors such as alcohol abuse and smoking were identified as significant contributors, increasing the risk of hypertension. For instance, seafarers abusing alcohol face a doubled risk of developing hypertension. Anxiety and irregular exercise further compound these risks, reinforcing the need for mental health support and regular physical activity among seafarers.
In conclusion, hypertension presents a considerable health concern for Vietnamese seafarers, with its prevalence surpassing that of the general adult population on land. Addressing this issue calls for targeted interventions including lifestyle modifications, better support systems onboard, regular health monitoring, and comprehensive health strategies to mitigate risk factors associated with this occupation.
