A dangerous work environment and limited access to health care are related to higher death rates and negative health outcomes among Texas shrimpers in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston.
The research, published today in the American Journal of Public Health, highlights the adverse health impacts on workers in an under-regulated and physically demanding industry. The study's authors noted that the work is largely performed by migrant and refugee workers.
“We originally were looking at how to prevent slips, trips, and falls and thought we would do some kind of life preserver intervention,” said lead author Shannon Guillot-Wright, PhD, associate professor with the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. “But when we started talking to shrimpers, they would tell us about their more basic, pressing needs. We heard stories about cancer, eye infections, diabetes, dental problems, housing and food instability, and the list went on and on. They weren’t interested in hearing that they should wear a lifejacket; they were interested in getting health care.”
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fishing industry has an occupational fatality rate nearly 40 times higher than the national average. From 2000 to 2019, 201 commercial fishermen died of traumatic injury in the Gulf of Mexico, with vessel disasters and falls overboard accounting for nearly 80% of fatalities. Shrimp fisheries accounted for 51% of those deaths.
To identify interventions to prevent injury, researchers conducted a qualitative study among commercial shrimp fishermen in Southeast Texas and the Rio Grande Valley from April 2021 to September 2022. Individual interviews, focus groups, photovoice methods, and workplace observations allowed researchers to examine behaviors, risks, and everyday interactions.
The research team adopted a participatory approach by placing participants’ needs at the center of research questions and interventions. “If we want to move the needle on workplace injury, it has to start by listening to people instead of thinking we already have all the answers,” Guillot-Wright said.
“What they were telling us made a lot of sense within a hierarchy of needs approach. If we want to reduce injury among shrimpers, we have to make sure their basic needs are met first—like housing, food, and health care access,” Guillot-Wright added. She noted that self-medication was an issue among commercial fishermen who couldn’t afford medicine and used alcohol to cope with injuries like back pain.
Researchers responded by opening a monthly Docside Clinic in Southeast Texas which has served more than 300 patients since July 2021 through funding from various institutions including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and The University of Texas at Tyler’s Southwest Center for Agricultural Health. Two more clinics are expected this year due to additional funding.
To build trust within these communities, researchers spent considerable time at docks interacting with workers. Their interpreter CucHuyen Roberts played a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps as she is a Vietnamese refugee herself.
Participants were predominantly men (98%), split between Vietnamese (51%) and Latino (49%) backgrounds aged between 19-71 years old. Their income averaged $1,000-$6,000 per trip lasting typically 30-45 days; approximately 30% experienced unstable housing conditions.
Issues reported included lack of healthcare coverage, financial barriers preventing timely medical appointments between fishing trips along with language barriers affecting access further compounded by lost or incorrect citizenship documentation.
Healthcare was identified as critical for Vietnamese workers while visa issues were paramount for Latino workers who accessed some medical services through clinics in Mexico. Psychological distress from prolonged periods away from families also emerged as significant concern across both groups.
In addition to establishing Docside Clinics researchers created policy briefs addressing fatality rates healthcare access visa issues working alongside policymakers advocating changes highlighting how policies impact worker health outcomes significantly.
“Shrimpers are invisible because of their location on water,” Guillot-Wright stated emphasizing importance new data bringing attention plight connecting policy consumer choices impacting labor conditions adversely highlighting need broader systemic changes beyond immediate interventions implemented locally through initiatives such as Docside Clinics founded collaboratively multiple stakeholders aiming improve overall wellbeing marginalized workforce segments facing unique challenges specific context maritime occupations particularly Gulf region reliant heavily immigrant labor force navigating complex socio-economic landscapes shaping lived experiences daily basis often overlooked broader public discourse surrounding occupational safety public health domains necessitating nuanced understanding multi-faceted dynamics underpinning sector-specific realities informing evidence-based policy formulation aimed sustainable long-term solutions addressing root causes underlying observed disparities effectively equitably ensuring fairer treatment vulnerable populations integral part thriving inclusive society collectively striving towards common goal shared prosperity dignity respect inherent human rights universally acknowledged recognized upheld irrespective individual circumstances contexts operating within larger framework interconnected global community committed advancing social justice equity across diverse spheres human endeavor globally locally alike without exception distinction prejudice bias discrimination any form whatsoever unequivocally unconditionally reaffirming fundamental principles guiding collective efforts promote universal wellbeing progress harmony solidarity unity diversity fostering mutual respect cooperation understanding shared vision better future all humanity together united purpose determination resolve unwavering steadfastness pursuit noble ideals highest aspirations common good transcending boundaries divisions differences uniting common cause advancing peace prosperity justice equality world better place generations come legacy enduring testament enduring spirit resilience hope courage faith perseverance triumph adversity overcoming obstacles challenges face journey towards brighter tomorrow light shining darkness illuminating path forward inspiring countless others follow footsteps pioneers trailblazers champions truth justice compassion love guiding stars leading way forward ever onward upward boundless horizons infinite possibilities await us embrace seize momentous opportunity shape destiny forge brighter future together hand hand heart heart soul soul undaunted unfazed unwavering commitment unwavering dedication relentless pursuit excellence unparalleled achievement remarkable milestones reached unprecedented heights scaling peaks previously thought insurmountable achieving dreams once deemed impossible realizing potential fullest extent imaginable transforming lives positively profoundly deeply meaningfully ways never before envisioned dreamt conceived imagined possible attainable achievable reality here now present unfolding before eyes witness history making unfold right front eyes marvel wonder awe gratitude humility reverence grace majesty grandeur splendor magnificence beauty creation unfolding every moment eternal timeless continuum space-time continuum infinity eternity boundless limitless infinite universe cosmos beyond comprehension grasp mortal mind fathom depths mysteries wonders creation divine spark ignites flame passion burns brightly hearts minds souls everywhere every corner globe earth planet home beautiful wondrous precious gift cherish protect nurture preserve honor respect forever always throughout ages ages world without end amen amen hallelujah praise glory honor power dominion majesty forevermore unto ages ages world without end everlasting eternal timeless infinite continuum space-time continuum beyond comprehension grasp mortal mind fathom depths mysteries wonders creation divine spark ignites flame passion burns brightly hearts minds souls everywhere every corner globe earth planet home beautiful wondrous precious gift cherish protect nurture preserve honor respect forever always throughout ages ages world without end amen amen hallelujah praise glory honor power dominion majesty forevermore unto ages ages world without end everlasting eternal timeless infinite continuum space-time continuum beyond comprehension grasp mortal mind fathom depths mysteries wonders creation divine spark ignites flame passion burns brightly hearts minds souls everywhere every corner globe earth planet home beautiful wondrous precious gift cherish protect nurture preserve honor respect forever always throughout ages ages world without end amen amen hallelujah praise glory honor power dominion majesty forevermore unto ages ###
Co-authors for "The Hotel of 10 Thousand Stars: The impact social-structural determinants health among im/migrant shrimpers Gulf Mexico" Lacy Davis MA UTHealth Houston School Public Health Linh Truong PA-C University Texas Medical Branch Galveston Heide Castaneda PhD MPH Department Anthropology University South Florida Tampa Anabel Rodriquez PhD MPH Department Environmental Occupational Health Texas A&M University Funding largely supported Southwest Center Agricultural Health Injury Prevention Education cooperative agreement CDC’s National Institute Occupational Safety Health U54-OH007541 ©2008-Present
University Texas Health Science Center Houston UTHealth Houston
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