Risk of work-related health problems among community health agents

Work-related health problems may include physical injuries, such as musculoskeletal disorders, as well as psychosocial issues, including isolation, stress, and anxiety. Assessing the risk of work-related health problems among community health agents is essential for identifying contributing factors and providing evidence to support the development of public policies and intervention strategies.

To evaluate the risk of work-related health problems among community health agents and their associated factors.

A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted in 2018 with 675 community health agents from the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire addressing sociodemographic, occupational, and lifestyle characteristics. Work-related problems were assessed using the Work-Related Health Problems Assessment Scale. Data were analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies and Pearson's chi-square test.

Most participants were women (83.7%), under 40 years old (65.2%), and had worked as a community health agent for less than 5 years (56.6%). In terms of lifestyle, 73.9% were moderately active, 70.1% reported having a healthy diet, and 35.6% experienced stress. High levels of work-related physical (86.6%), psychological (50.5%), and social (50.1%) problems were observed. A higher prevalence of health problems was associated with female sex, longer service time (> 5 years), physical inactivity, poor sleep quality, and inadequate stress management.

A high prevalence of work-related health problems was identified among community health agents, associated with sociodemographic, occupational, and lifestyle factors.