ASSOCIAÇÃO ENTRE SINTOMAS RESPIRATÓRIOS, DADOS SOCIODEOGRÁFICOS E ANTROPOMETRIA EM AGRICULTORES FAMILIARES

Abstract

Introduction: Each country has its economy and a large part of it comes from the development of agricultural work, responsible for meeting the needs of the population. This practice contributes in a positive way, as it helps in the family income, but it also presents a negative aspect to the farmers, since the majority works in an inadequate way for their safety, running the risk of acquiring occupational respiratory diseases. Objective: To analyze the association between respiratory symptoms, sociodemographic data, and anthropometry in family farmers. Materials and Method: The research was carried out at the farmers' homes. This approach occurred during the months of February and March 2020. Participants in the survey were farmers of both sexes, from 18 years of age. Those who had less than six months of work in agriculture, those who had respiratory disease diagnosed before starting work in agriculture were excluded. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic information, respiratory symptoms, and anthropometric data. Results: It was observed that, among the elderly, the majority is illiterate, has worked for more than 20 years, and has a weekly workload of more than 60 hours. Young people and the elderly have different anthropometric measures compared to age, with no correlation between anthropometric data and respiratory symptoms in younger people. Finally, longer working hours were related to wheezing and coughing for at least three months. Conclusion: Health care for these workers is necessary, with health promotion and prevention strategies to prevent respiratory diseases.