Characterization of the sociodemographic, labor and signs and symptoms profile of farmers in the Microregion of Irecê-BA

Abstract

Introduction: Since pesticides cause numerous health problems and farmers are exposed to these substances, knowledge of the labor aspects related to the use of pesticides, their practices, as well as signs and symptoms related to possible poisoning, is essential to provide better health care. Objective: To characterize the sociodemographic and labor profile and the signs and symptoms of farmers in the Microregion of Irecê-BA. Methods: Cross-sectional study, involving 45 farmers of both sexes, over 18 years of age, belonging to the municipalities of Lapão and João Dourado, cities belonging to the Microregion of Irecê-BA. A questionnaire, prepared by the authors, was applied to obtain sample characterization data. Results: The study included 45 farmers, 53.3% from the municipality of Lapão and 46.7% from João Dourado, male (62.2%), age range from 50 to 59 years (33.3%), skin color/brown race (48.9%), with incomplete elementary education. Twenty-seven participants reported using pesticides, with over 80% reporting using some form of personal protective equipment. Regarding self-perception of signs/symptoms after starting to work with pesticides, 53.8% reported headaches and 16.7% reported hearing problems. Conclusion: Farmers in the studied region are predominantly men between 50 and 59 years old, brown-skinned and with a low level of education, use pesticides in the workplace and incompletely use personal protective equipment and report having headaches. Four participants noticed that they began to experience hearing problems from the moment they began working with pesticides.