Fatores de risco para doenças crônicas em agentes comunitários de saúde de um município do interior de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) and their injuries are estimated to be responsible for approximately 70% of deaths worldwide. The lack of prevention and good management of these pathologies leads to the need for medical assistance with increasing costs, due to the permanent technological incorporation. With regard to the occupational health, the increase in prevalence of cases of CNCDs can result in absenteeism, disability and impact on the quality of the work offered. Objective: to evaluate the presence of risk factors for CNCDs in community health workers (CHW). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study developed with CHWs from a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais. Results: 139 CHWs of both sexes, belonging to the 36 family health units of the municipality, were interviewed by means of a questionnaire with closed and pre-categorized questions on demographic and socioeconomic data, food consumption and health characteristics. Waist circumference (WC), weight and height were measured, and BMI, conicity index and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. A prevalence of married females and white workers was pointed. Overweight was present in 56.1% of respondents. In addition, 51.8% of CHWs were classified as sedentary, and 14.4% reported being smokers. The high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases was stated in 27.27% of male CHWs and 57.81% of female CHWs. Consumption of at least one ultra-processed food was reported by 53.9% of respondents, and a positive association between the consumption of these foods—including sandwiches, pizzas and chips—and the nutritional status of the CHWs was pointed. Conclusions: The results show a high prevalence of risk factors for CNCDs among CHWs. Considering the impact of CNCDs on health and quality of work, surveillance and prevention of risk factors, also aimed at workers’ health, are present in the health programming of municipalities.