Sexual health of women working aboard cruise ships

Abstract

Objective This paper reports on the sexual health of women working in the cruise sector of the shipping industry.

Design Data reported in this paper was collected as part of a larger study exploring company policies and practices relating to women seafarers, and the experiences of women seafarers in both the cruise and cargo . sectors of the shipping industry. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected for the study in over 30 countries worldwide.

Setting Data reported here was collected in major cruise ports in Florida, USA.

Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with women seafarers and cruise company officials exploring women's living and working conditions and their experiences working on board ship.

Results Data suggested that sexual relationships among crewmembers are a common feature of life aboard cruise ships. Women's sexual health was found to be at risk due to limited access to contraception and restricted, and frequently nonconfidential, access to ship's doctors. Conclusion Confidential access to the ship's doctor is vital to the consistent use of contraception and the prevention and diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Preboarding induction courses for crewmembers should include education on sexual health and sexual risk.

Keywords

sexual health sexual risk cruise ships crews women

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