Saúde e Estilo de Vida de Agricultores e Agricultoras de Uma Comunidade Rural do Semiárido Potiguar

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being. Farmers, often overlooked, play a crucial role in food production, facing challenges such as harsh weather conditions and limited access to resources. Farmers have their health and lifestyle shaped by a variety of factors, such as region, farming practices, and living conditions. In general, they face constant risks of muscle injuries due to regular intense physical work. This study aims to evaluate the health and lifestyle of farmers in the rural area of a municipality in the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte. Sampling was for convenience due to access difficulties and limitations of the pandemic. Data collection was carried out between July and December 2021, addressing sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle issues, and the results were tabulated descriptively. The study, carried out in the rural community of Serra Verde, in the municipality of Lajes Pintadas, with 24 farmers, highlights low schooling (66.67% with incomplete elementary education), limited income (41% with 1-2 minimum wages) and water insecurity (50% depending on water tankers/rain reserves). Exposure to pesticides is limited (75% do not use them). However, 33% were diagnosed with hypertension. Selfperception of health reveals challenges, with 54.17% considering it as regular. The search for medical care mainly involves community health workers. The study highlights the importance of public policies targeting rural communities, recommending more comprehensive future research to deeply understand farmers' health.