Comunicação digital para agropecuárias gestantes sobre os riscos da exposição a agrotóxicos.

Abstract

Introduction: Pesticides are synthetic chemical substances used in various phases of the agricultural process, with the aim of modifying the composition of fauna and flora in order to eliminate unwanted organisms. Brazil is one of the world's largest consumers of these substances, and their use for commercial purposes and in subsistence agriculture has been compromising people's health. Pesticides can be related to the appearance of various diseases, which makes exposure to these products dangerous for vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women. Residues of these substances are found in the umbilical cord, in breast milk, and are absorbed by the fetus through the placenta, potentially leading to miscarriages, malformations, low birth weight, and problems in fetal development. Therefore, creating strategies to minimize these risks is of great importance. In this sense, the sharing of information is necessary and should be based on clear and accessible communication, finding in digital technologies the reinforcement of social networks and the support of education as important tools. Objective: To develop digital communication content to guide/inform pregnant women in agriculture about the risks of exposure to pesticides during pregnancy. Method: The videocast was distributed in three episodes, presented in an interview format conducted by a moderator/presenter, who asked guiding questions answered by expert guests on the topic. The content was recorded using the Google Teams video conferencing application and, after editing, the material was uploaded to a YouTube account entitled "Pregnant Women X Pesticides." The videocast is intended for pregnant agricultural workers exposed to pesticides, which does not exclude access by family members, healthcare professionals, or anyone interested in the subject. Results: The videos were recorded on pre-arranged days and times with the guests, using the Google Teams platform. The first episode featured a nurse who discussed the main changes in a woman's body during pregnancy. The second episode featured a doctor who explained the concept of pesticides, their applicability, and the risks associated with them to human health. Finally, in the third video, the interviewee discussed the risks of exposure for pregnant women and their babies, as well as presenting some possible strategies to reduce or eliminate these risks. Final Considerations: The proposal consisted of creating a simple and objective product capable of reaching pregnant women in agricultural areas exposed to pesticides. To this end, digital content was chosen, considering the wide accessibility of this format. Three videos were developed, in videocast format, addressing topics related to pregnancy and the risks of pesticide exposure. This study aimed to give visibility to this population group, while prioritizing the exchange of qualified information that can serve as a tool for care, awareness, and empowerment.