Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Work-related health problems may include physical injuries, such as musculoskeletal disorders, as well as psychosocial issues, including isolation, stress, and anxiety. Assessing the risk of work-related health problems among community health agents is essential for identifying contributing factors and providing evidence to support the development of public policies and intervention strategies. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk of work-related health problems among community health agents and their associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted in 2018 with 675 community health agents from the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire addressing sociodemographic, occupational, and lifestyle characteristics. Work-related problems were assessed using the Work-Related Health Problems Assessment Scale. Data were analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies and Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: Most participants were women (83.7%), under 40 years old (65.2%), and had worked as a community health agent for less than 5 years (56.6%). In terms of lifestyle, 73.9% were moderately active, 70.1% reported having a healthy diet, and 35.6% experienced stress. High levels of work-related physical (86.6%), psychological (50.5%), and social (50.1%) problems were observed. A higher prevalence of health problems was associated with female sex, longer service time (> 5 years), physical inactivity, poor sleep quality, and inadequate stress management. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of work-related health problems was identified among community health agents, associated with sociodemographic, occupational, and lifestyle factors.