Social determinants of occupational injuries among US-based commercial fishermen: a systematic review

Abstract Background Commercial fishing is a multibillion-dollar industry that supports job growth, small- to large- businesses, and port and city revenue. The commercial fishing industry continues to be one of the most dangerous in the US, with a fatality rate nearly 40 times higher than the nationa...

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Main Authors: Shannon Guillot-Wright, Leonard Kuan-Pei Wang, Bibiana Toro Figueira, Mary Overcash Jones, Ruhi Maredia, Nikhita Kichili
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:International Journal for Equity in Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-024-02363-5
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author Shannon Guillot-Wright
Leonard Kuan-Pei Wang
Bibiana Toro Figueira
Mary Overcash Jones
Ruhi Maredia
Nikhita Kichili
author_facet Shannon Guillot-Wright
Leonard Kuan-Pei Wang
Bibiana Toro Figueira
Mary Overcash Jones
Ruhi Maredia
Nikhita Kichili
author_sort Shannon Guillot-Wright
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Commercial fishing is a multibillion-dollar industry that supports job growth, small- to large- businesses, and port and city revenue. The commercial fishing industry continues to be one of the most dangerous in the US, with a fatality rate nearly 40 times higher than the national average. Dangers of the fishing industry are multi-faceted and include hazardous working conditions, strenuous labor, long work hours, and harsh weather. Moreover, a vast majority of fishermen suffer from economic insecurity, including safe and affordable housing and food insecurity. Methods We followed the recommendations and standards set by the Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods Group and the Measurement and Evidence Knowledge Network. The review covered 1992–2022 to assess the state of research and to identify new barriers of and facilitators to injury prevention among commercial fishermen using a social determinants of health lens. Results Of 292 articles identified, 27 studies met our inclusion criteria. Out of 27 articles reviewed, social determinants of health factors included the built environment, social & community factors, economic stability, health care access, and educational attainment. A major finding was the inability for fishermen to access primary care services, which was often rooted in being a low-wage, im/migrant, or transient worker, and can further escalate injuries. A secondary finding related to injury was a feedback loop where fishermen’s unsafe environments led to a culture of accepting risk and downplaying injury, which further created unsafe environments. Conclusion Our review shows how injury is connected to social factors, such as a lack of health care access, as well as political-economic factors, such as a lack of sick leave benefits.
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spelling doaj-art-064f013aa1b24dc6b4984c0159898bf42025-01-26T12:20:50ZengBMCInternational Journal for Equity in Health1475-92762025-01-0124111310.1186/s12939-024-02363-5Social determinants of occupational injuries among US-based commercial fishermen: a systematic reviewShannon Guillot-Wright0Leonard Kuan-Pei Wang1Bibiana Toro Figueira2Mary Overcash Jones3Ruhi Maredia4Nikhita Kichili5The University of Texas Health Science CenterThe University of Texas Medical BranchThe University of Texas Health Science CenterThe University of Texas Medical BranchThe University of Texas Medical BranchThe University of Texas Medical BranchAbstract Background Commercial fishing is a multibillion-dollar industry that supports job growth, small- to large- businesses, and port and city revenue. The commercial fishing industry continues to be one of the most dangerous in the US, with a fatality rate nearly 40 times higher than the national average. Dangers of the fishing industry are multi-faceted and include hazardous working conditions, strenuous labor, long work hours, and harsh weather. Moreover, a vast majority of fishermen suffer from economic insecurity, including safe and affordable housing and food insecurity. Methods We followed the recommendations and standards set by the Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods Group and the Measurement and Evidence Knowledge Network. The review covered 1992–2022 to assess the state of research and to identify new barriers of and facilitators to injury prevention among commercial fishermen using a social determinants of health lens. Results Of 292 articles identified, 27 studies met our inclusion criteria. Out of 27 articles reviewed, social determinants of health factors included the built environment, social & community factors, economic stability, health care access, and educational attainment. A major finding was the inability for fishermen to access primary care services, which was often rooted in being a low-wage, im/migrant, or transient worker, and can further escalate injuries. A secondary finding related to injury was a feedback loop where fishermen’s unsafe environments led to a culture of accepting risk and downplaying injury, which further created unsafe environments. Conclusion Our review shows how injury is connected to social factors, such as a lack of health care access, as well as political-economic factors, such as a lack of sick leave benefits.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-024-02363-5Social determinants of healthMigrant workersCommercial fishermenHealth equityHealth care accessPaid sick leave
spellingShingle Shannon Guillot-Wright
Leonard Kuan-Pei Wang
Bibiana Toro Figueira
Mary Overcash Jones
Ruhi Maredia
Nikhita Kichili
Social determinants of occupational injuries among US-based commercial fishermen: a systematic review
International Journal for Equity in Health
Social determinants of health
Migrant workers
Commercial fishermen
Health equity
Health care access
Paid sick leave
title Social determinants of occupational injuries among US-based commercial fishermen: a systematic review
title_full Social determinants of occupational injuries among US-based commercial fishermen: a systematic review
title_fullStr Social determinants of occupational injuries among US-based commercial fishermen: a systematic review
title_full_unstemmed Social determinants of occupational injuries among US-based commercial fishermen: a systematic review
title_short Social determinants of occupational injuries among US-based commercial fishermen: a systematic review
title_sort social determinants of occupational injuries among us based commercial fishermen a systematic review
topic Social determinants of health
Migrant workers
Commercial fishermen
Health equity
Health care access
Paid sick leave
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-024-02363-5
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