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HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing and prevention in the cruise industry
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Abstract
Material and methods. Medical representatives from cruise companies were invited to complete a questionnaire on their company’s practices regarding HIV-related issues.
Results. Fifteen of 18 invited representatives completed the questionnaire on behalf of 24 companies with a total of 155 ships. All 8 companies with a medical department had a written HIV policy, versus 4 of 16 companies that handled medical crew issues through independent medical consultant services. Thirteen companies required pre-sea HIV testing, 12 had a written HIV policy regarding HIV testing and prevention, and 18 had free condoms for the crew. A positive HIV test would result in revocation of the employment offer from 5 companies and in another 6 companies establish HIV as a pre-existing condition. Eight companies required HIV+ seafarers to demonstrate stability at regular intervals as a condition for sailing.
Conclusions. Cruise companies have different practices regarding HIV in crew. Large cruise lines with medical departments are more likely to have a written HIV policy than companies using independent medical consultants. About half the companies required pre-sea HIV testing; some to avoid hiring HIV+ seafarers, others to establish HIV as a pre-existing condition or to ensure proper follow-up of their HIV+ seafarers. This report may provide input for company discussions about present or future HIV policies.
(Int Marit Health 2011; 62, 1: 3–7)
Abstract
Material and methods. Medical representatives from cruise companies were invited to complete a questionnaire on their company’s practices regarding HIV-related issues.
Results. Fifteen of 18 invited representatives completed the questionnaire on behalf of 24 companies with a total of 155 ships. All 8 companies with a medical department had a written HIV policy, versus 4 of 16 companies that handled medical crew issues through independent medical consultant services. Thirteen companies required pre-sea HIV testing, 12 had a written HIV policy regarding HIV testing and prevention, and 18 had free condoms for the crew. A positive HIV test would result in revocation of the employment offer from 5 companies and in another 6 companies establish HIV as a pre-existing condition. Eight companies required HIV+ seafarers to demonstrate stability at regular intervals as a condition for sailing.
Conclusions. Cruise companies have different practices regarding HIV in crew. Large cruise lines with medical departments are more likely to have a written HIV policy than companies using independent medical consultants. About half the companies required pre-sea HIV testing; some to avoid hiring HIV+ seafarers, others to establish HIV as a pre-existing condition or to ensure proper follow-up of their HIV+ seafarers. This report may provide input for company discussions about present or future HIV policies.
(Int Marit Health 2011; 62, 1: 3–7)
Keywords
HIV; policy; prevention; maritime medicine; crew; cruise ships
Title
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing and prevention in the cruise industry
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
3-7
Published online
2011-04-29
Page views
548
Article views/downloads
2467
Bibliographic record
IMH 2011;63(1):3-7.
Keywords
HIV
policy
prevention
maritime medicine
crew
cruise ships
Authors
Eilif Dahl