O impacto laboral na qualidade de vida e na audição de agentes comunitários de saúde

Abstract

Introduction: The study addresses the impact of the work activity of Community Health Agents (CHA). Highlighting the occupational risks faced, with their exposure. Exposure to noise in the work environment impacts the hearing health and quality of life of CHWs. Measuring your quality of life (QOL) using the WHOQOL-Bref instrument. Objective: The objective was to investigate the impact of work activity on the hearing and quality of life of CHWs. Methodology: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study with quantitative analysis. The sample comprises 31 Community Health Agents (CHA), covering both genders aged between 50 and 73 years. Anamnesis, Quality of Life-Bref Questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref), inspection of the external auditory canal (IMAE), pure tone audiometry (ATL), Logoaudiometry were carried out. Results: The average age of the sample was 49.9 years, the majority were female (96.8%), with exposure to physical and chemical occupational risks. In view of this, it was possible to observe auditory and extra-auditory effects. Hearing loss observed at frequencies of 6000Hz and 8000Hz. Such complaints related to the CHA's WHOQOL-Bref variables presented significance values in terms of difficulty understanding and dizziness in the physical variable, nervousness and depression in the social variable. The results were analyzed inferentially. Conclusion: It is concluded that the topic addressed requires studies, highlighting the importance of investigating subclinical auditory aspects, especially complaints reported by patients. Even when hearing thresholds are normal, they can negatively impact individuals' quality of life. Keywords: Hearing; Quality of life; Community Health Agent, Occupational Health, Noise