Global overview of dietary outcomes and dietary intake assessment methods in maritime settings: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Seafaring is a risky occupation with high prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Food intake and eating habits are important cornerstones regarding health and health promotion. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of dietary intake and dietary intake assessment methods of seafarers and suggestions for applicable assessment tools. Methods We systematically searched PubMed and NLM Gateway (for MEDLINE), Web of Science, and SCOPUS up to February 2020 using standard keywords including nutrition OR diet OR meal AND maritime settings. Two independent reviewers extracted the data. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklist. Results From 4449 studies initially identified, 26 articles were included in the final review. Qualitative data (e.g. on unhealthy eating) had been gathered using in-depth individual or group interviews, participant observations, and phone-based chats. Composition of menu analysis, 24 h dietary recall, food diaries/ diet records, dietary habits questionnaire, food stores and food waste of the ship were used to assess the quantitative outcomes (e.g. dietary intakes). Access to meat, processed meat and egg, frozen and canned food items, sugary drinks, alcohol, greasy and salty food was high. In contrast, consumption of fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and cereals was lower than recommended. Conclusions Eating habits and dietary intakes in maritime settings are unhealthy. Subjective dietary assessment methods combining menu analysis with new technologies (e.g. mobile-based) might be an applicable method in this hard to reach setting which is the vessels.

Healthy nutrition for seafarers during and after COVID-19 pandemic

“…Our finding demonstrated high access to meat, processed meat and egg, frozen and canned food items, sugary drinks, alcohol, greasy and salty food among seafarers, while consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and cereals was lower than respective guidelines (e.g. Healthy Food Onboard Merchant Ships [1,2].…”

“…Recently the authors of this letter together with a multidisciplinary research team conducted a systematic review titled "Global overview of dietary outcomes and dietary intake assessment methods in the maritime settings" [1]. Our finding demonstrated high access to meat, processed meat and egg, frozen and canned food items, sugary drinks, alcohol, greasy and salty food among seafarers, while consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and cereals was lower than respective guidelines (e.g.…”

“…People who suffer from obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes often also have low vita -min D [3], and previous studies in the maritime settings have revealed that risk factors for non-communicable diseases including obesity, hypertension and metabolic syndrome are high among seafarers [6], which together with the often-unhealthy eating habits [1] may pose seafarers as a high-risk group for current health emergencies.…”

Waist Circumference as a Risk Factor for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Older Adults in Guayaquil, Ecuador

“…The technique has shown a high sensitivity and specificity only in the detection of moderate and severe grades [ 56 ]. Finally, the MNA score was considered an indirect marker for unhealthy dietary behavior, but there are better tools to assess the dietary pattern of the patients, such as the food frequency questionnaire, food consumption record, and dietary history [ 57 ].…”

Health Inequality among Fishery Workers during Climate Change: A National Population-Based and Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

“…Although our study did not explore health-related behaviors owing to working settings, some previous cross-sectional studies pointed out that an unhealthy lifestyle in fishery workers, including an advanced prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption and a lack of adequate vegetables and fruits in the dietary intake [ 34 , 35 ]. Most cardiometabolic diseases can be avoided by reducing risky behaviors such as cigarette smoking, unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol consumption [ 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”