RURAL WORKERS’ QUALITY OF LIFE OF AND AGROTOXICS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

Abstract

Introduction: The health risks inherent to the application of agrotoxics affect rural workers’ quality of life. Objective: To analyze the scientific literature on rural workers’ quality of life by the method of systematic review. Methods: A search was conducted in the databases LILACS, SCIELO BRAZIL, MEDLINE, OLD MEDLINE and PubMed, in which were selected documents published between 1966 and 2011. Results: Of the 466 studies selected, three met the criteria required to be included in the systematic review. All studies composing the sample have used specific instruments to assess quality of life. Two out of the three articles were labeled in the category Adult health, quality of life related to musculoskeletal disorders and mental health in rural workers. Conclusion: The scientific literature on this topic, indexed in those databases, was not significant since a large part of studies only involved objective aspects, capable of being measured, not highlighting, however, subjective nature issues related to quality of life. It is suggested that studies assessing rural workers’ health be entirely analyzed for better understanding of these data and better guiding of health actions for that group. DESCRIPTORS: Quality of life. Occupational Health. Pesticides. Pesticide Exposure. Agricultural Workers' Diseases.