Hypertension Among Vietnamese Seafarers: Prevalence and Contributing Factors
Hypertension is a significant global health issue, identified as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization reported that hypertension affected 972 million individuals globally in 2000, leading to 7.5 million deaths. Projections indicated a rise to approximately 1.56 billion cases by 2025. The condition is a primary risk factor for severe cardiovascular issues, including stroke and heart failure.
In Vietnam, the prevalence of hypertension has risen sharply over the decades. From 1% in 1960 in northern Vietnam, it rose to 11.2% by 1992 and 25.1% among individuals aged 25 to 64 in 2008. A 2015 national survey found that 18.9% of adults aged 18-69 had hypertension, with higher rates among men (23.1%) compared to women (14.9%).
Seafaring is an arduous profession, exposing individuals to unique stressors such as prolonged isolation, harsh working environments, and occupational hazards. Seafarers often endure long voyages of 9-12 months, contributing to physical and psychological stress that can exacerbate health issues, including hypertension.
A study involving 708 Vietnamese seafarers conducted between January and December 2022 aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors aboard merchant vessels. Using a cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological design, data were collected through health checks and surveys on lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise patterns.
The results indicated that 32.9% of seafarers had hypertension, with 25.1% classified as having grade I hypertension and 7.8% as grade II hypertension. Furthermore, 26.4% were identified as prehypertensive. This prevalence is notably higher than that of land-based adults in Vietnam, where rates vary from 18.9% to 25.1%.
Key risk factors for hypertension in these seafarers included:
- Duration of Employment: Seafarers with over 10 years of experience faced an 8.23 times higher risk of developing hypertension.
- Work Environment: Non-officer ranks and those working in engine rooms exhibited a significantly higher risk compared to officers and other crew members.
- Physical Health: Seafarers classified as overweight or obese had a much higher likelihood of hypertension. Specifically, those with a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) ≥ 0.90 had a 9.12 times increased risk.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and alcohol abuse were linked to increased hypertension risk (1.32 times and 2.10 times, respectively). Irregular exercise and symptoms of anxiety also contributed to higher hypertension incidence.
The findings underscore the need for targeted health interventions for seafarers, focusing on lifestyle modifications to reduce hypertension risk factors. Recommendations include dietary changes, regular exercise, controlled alcohol consumption, and management of stress and anxiety.
In conclusion, hypertension emerges as a pressing health challenge for Vietnamese seafarers, with prevalence rates surpassing those of the general population on land. Addressing these health risks requires both individual lifestyle changes and broader systemic support to mitigate the unique challenges faced by seafarers in their demanding profession.
