Fatores associados ao estado antropométrico de pescadores artesanais/marisqueiras residentes em áreas afetadas pelo derramamento de petróleo em 2019 e pela pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: An oil spill in 2019 off the Brazilian coast caused major environmental and socioeconomic impact, especially affecting artisanal fishermen and shellfish gatherers. The reduction in fish sales had instant effects on this community, reducing the purchasing power of basic foodstuffs. In March 2020, the WHO declared the COVID-19 pandemic. The artisanal fishing sector, still recovering from the effects of the oil spill, was significantly impacted by the pandemic. The social isolation generated, added to the challenges already faced by the fishing community, added social instability and food insecurity to this group of workers. In this work, we present a literature review and a scientific article. Objective: The present study aims to identify factors associated with the anthropometric status of artisanal fishermen/shellfish gatherers residing in areas affected by the oil spill and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods:. Cross-sectional study carried out with 898 adult artisanal fishermen/shellfish gatherers. A validated questionnaire was used to collect general information about exposure to oil, lifestyle and health, and about COVID-19. The outcome variable considered was overweight (BMI ≥ 25kg/m² vs 18.5kg/m²≤ BMI < 25kg/m²). The data were analyzed stratified by sex and the prevalence of excess weight and high waist circumference was calculated. Furthermore, factors associated with excess weight were identified using the multiple logistic regression model, and adjusted PRs and their respective 95% confidence intervals were obtained using the delta method. Results: Excess weight was observed in 74.2% of fishermen/shellfish gatherers; in males, 47.3% were overweight. After adjusted analysis, a higher prevalence of excess weight was observed in women with high BP [PR = 1.69; 95%CI(1.10; 2.59)] and who had COVID-19 [RP = 2.09; 95%CI(1.01; 4.30)]. Among men, a higher prevalence of excess weight was observed among those with a monthly income greater than R$1,000.00 [RP = 1.77; 95% CI (1.17; 2.66)] and who reported diabetes [PR = 2.43; 95%CI (1.23; 4.74)]. Conclusion: The results obtained indicate frequencies of excess weight among fisherwomen/shellfish gatherers that are higher than the frequencies observed in the Brazilian population in general, highlighting an alert regarding the need for more effective care, through public policies aimed at nutritional education and health of this population.