Saúde mental e trabalho: vivências dos agentes de combate às endemias em Salvador, Bahia.

Abstract

The Endemic Disease Control Agents (ACE) are professionals responsible for working on the front lines of controlling diseases that threaten public health, such as dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and other arboviruses. These agents are exposed to various occupational risks and stressors in their daily activities, showing greater susceptibility to occupational stress and emotional exhaustion. The objective of this dissertation was to analyze the experiences of pleasure and suffering in the work context of Endemic Disease Control Agents (ACE) in the city of Salvador, Bahia, identifying the professionals’ conceptions, experiences, and defensive strategies used to cope with the suffering arising from their work. To this end, the dissertation is presented in the format of a scientific article entitled: “Problems should stay behind one’s front door, but what happens when the problem is in the workplace: between pleasure and psychological suffering among ACE workers.” The methodological strategy adopted was qualitative in nature, with an exploratory and descriptive approach, using the focus group technique with 24 (twenty-four) ACE workers operating in the Dealth Districts of the capital of Bahia. For data analysis, the theoretical framework of Work Psychodynamics was applied. The investigation revealed that psychological suffering emerged strongly, being associated with institutional devaluation, structural precariousness (notably the lack of infrastructure and Personal Protective Equipment – PPE), work overload, urban violence, and situations of moral and sexual harassment. In contrast, pleasure at work did not arise from institutional recognition but rather from the gratification generated by direct contact with the community and a sense of social usefulness. In light of the precarious working conditions, the agents developed collective defensive strategies such as solidarity and mutual support among colleagues, which function as essential mechanisms for protecting mental health. Based on the evidence presented, the final considerations of this dissertation consist of health recommendations aimed at promoting and protecting the health of these workers.