# Risk of work-related health problems among community health agents

## TL;DR

This study found that community health agents face significant work-related health issues linked to factors like gender, work duration, and lifestyle.

## Contribution

The study provides evidence on risk factors for work-related health problems among community health agents in Brazil.

## Key findings

- 86.6% of agents reported physical work-related health problems.
- 50.5% reported psychological issues, and 50.1% reported social issues.
- Female sex, longer service time, and poor lifestyle habits were associated with higher health problem prevalence.

## Abstract

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.