Health damage related to work in shellfish gatherers in Recife city, Pernambuco

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe the socioeconomic profile and health damage related to shellfish harvesting among women in the city of Recife, Pernambuco. This is a descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study, with data collected in 2021, where a socioeconomic questionnaire and the Work-Related Injury Assessment Scale (EADRT) were used. 43 shellfish gatherers from the city of Recife with an average age of 48 years were interviewed, where 86% declared themselves to be black or brown, 55.8% were single, 76.7% received less than one minimum wage, and 41.9% were the only economic home providers. Regarding occupational data, the average working time in this activity was 25 years, working 4 days a week and 7 hours on average per day. 79.1% reported using Personal Protective Equipment and 79.1% reported having had some type of accident at work. As for physical complaints, 90.7% reported having body pain. Regarding social aspects, 41.9% felt like being alone and in the emotional issue, 51.2% reported a feeling of emptiness. In view of this, a high number of work accidents was found, despite the high report of PPE use. An important number of musculoskeletal and emotional pain complaints were also observed.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/colleinternhealthscienv1-029