Characterization of psychotropic medication use among tobacco farmers who handle pesticides: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

The use of pesticides constitutes a relevant public health problem. In this context, the investigation of psychotropic drug use becomes necessary, considering the particularities of the health-disease process and the working conditions that influence the physical and mental health of these workers. The objective of this study was to characterize the psychotropic medications used by tobacco farmers who handle pesticides through a descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, and documentary design. Data collection was carried out through clinical records present in 149 medical records of tobacco farmers who were users of Primary Health Care Units in Arapiraca, Alagoas. Analyses were performed using Jamovi software (version 2.5). It was identified that the majority of the population was female (66%) and that, regardless of sex, the onset of psychotropic use began at age 40. The predominant clinical symptomatology was headache (1.3%), epigastric pain (0.9%), fever (0.5%), dizziness (0.3%), diarrhea (0.3%), and vomiting (0.2%). The reported complaints were related to mental health, with higher prevalence of nervousness, aggressiveness, anxiety, and sadness. The psychotropics with the highest frequency of records were Clonazepam (34.2%; n=750), Amitriptyline (18.9%, n=406), and Diazepam (11%; n=237). The results indicated a high frequency of psychotropic use among tobacco farmers who handle and are constantly exposed to pesticides. The absence of records regarding prior diagnoses of mental disorders, clinical assessment, and the presence of psychotropic prescriptions evidenced the need for training of health professionals in the area of mental health and the establishment of an interdisciplinary approach, with dynamic and systematized active listening during consultations at primary health care units, in order to allow qualified and holistic multiprofessional and interprofessional care.