Pescadores (as) artesanais expostos ao derramamento de óleo/petróleo e efeitos à saúde: um estudo seccional em áreas de proteção ambiental

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional fishing communities were severely impacted by the oil spill that occurred on the Brazilian coast in 2019. Fishers were among the first to respond to the disaster and depend on local biodiversity for their survival. The impacts were amplified in the environmental protection areas (APAs) where fishing communities are located, due to the unique and diverse local ecosystem. The situation was further aggravated by the unpreparedness of the health sector, which failed to provide adequate guidance, research, or qualified assistance to those affected. Purpose: This study investigated the association between oil exposure and the presence of physical symptoms as compatible markers for anxiety in artisanal fishers from traditional communities residing in two APAs affected by the spill. Method: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted between 2021 and 2022. A structured questionnaire validated by the Delphi method was administered to 377 artisanal fishers residing in APAs in the states of Sergipe and Bahia. Descriptive and exploratory statistical analyses of the data were conducted by modeling with robust Poisson regression separately for each outcome. Results: A positive association was observed between the presence of three or more symptoms in those exposed through inhalation (Prevalence Ratio - PR = 1.5; 95%CI: 0.8-3.0), skin contact (PR = 1.5; 95%CI: 1.0-2.3), and gastric route (PR = 2.3; 95%CI: 1.9-3.6), compared to individuals with lower exposure. Respondents who did not complete primary education had a prevalence of three or more symptoms that was 50% higher than those who had some level of education and. Furthermore, fishers who lived without companions had a prevalence of three or more symptoms 50% greater than those with partners. The prevalence of three or more symptoms was 2.7 times higher among fishers who required medical attention than those who did not. Conclusion: A greater occurrence of physical symptoms that contribute as compatible markers for anxiety was observed among the most exposed fishers. These markers are potential intensifiers of chronic stress, demonstrating risk of negative impacts on physical and mental health. The observed effects can be characterized as intensifying vulnerabilities seen in traditional communities in the states of Sergipe and Bahia, overlapping the dimensions of these fishers’ lives, through aspects in the social, personal and occupational spheres.