SUGGESTIVE COMPLAINTS OF IRRITANT DERMATITIS IN A COMMUNITY OF ARTISANAL FISHERMEN AND FISHERWOMEN: PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Abstract

Introduction: The skin complaints presented by artisanal fishermen and artisanal fisherwomen of Santiago do Iguape community are compromising fishing, income and subsistence of families. Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with complaints suggestive of irritant dermatitis in artisanal fishermen and artisanal fisherwomen. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study carried out with 248 artisanal fishing workers from the community of Santiago do Iguape, Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil. The research instrument was elaborated containing questions about the sociodemographic characteristics and artisanal fishing work, labor history, domestic activities, clinical history, preventive measures and/or contact products, dermatological complaints and skin complaints related to the contact agent and exposure. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with complaints suggestive of irritant dermatitis. Results: The prevalence of complaints suggestive of irritant dermatitis was 25%. The factors that presented positive and significant associations with complaints suggestive of irritant dermatitis were the daily workload with fishing greater than ten hours, the use of gloves at work, clinical history of allergic rhinitis, age ≤ 30 years and marital status married/dating/live together. Conclusion: The research findings indicate the need to develop prevention and control strategies in the Basic Health Units of the fishing communities, seeking to contribute to the improvement of the health and work of these professionals.