A study conducted by the Oswaldo Cruz do Ceará Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará) highlights the impact of violence and Covid-19 on community health agents (CHAs) in the Brazilian Northeast
A study carried out by the Oswaldo Cruz do Ceará Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará) highlights the impact of violence and Covid-19 on community health agents (ACS) in the Brazilian Northeast, covering four capitals (Fortaleza, Recife, João Pessoa and Teresina) and four cities in the region (Crato, Barbalha, Juazeiro do Norte and Sobral). By the end of this year, more than 20 researchers from around 13 institutions in Brazil and abroad will develop information in all municipalities.
According to the research coordinator, Anya Vieira Meyer, by Fiocruz Ceará, the idea is to continue collecting data continuously. The researcher is in Boston to evaluate the data together with scientists from Harvard University in the United States.
The study surveyed 1,944 CHAs from eight Northeastern cities. Initial findings from 2021 reveal that violence affected the mental health of 64.7% of healthcare workers and 41.1% their physical health. In relation to Covid-19, the study found that 77.6% of healthcare workers worked on the front lines against the disease and 83.8% did not receive training against Covid-19. For 80.7%, violence did not influence the actions of officers during the pandemic. Of the total respondents, 40.4% assessed that the teamwork process has improved during Covid-19, while for 37.9% it has worsened.
Alarming data
In general, Anya indicated that the data is very alarming. Regarding mental health, in all municipalities examined approximately 40% of healthcare workers are at risk of common mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The use of medications to control these disorders affects between 15% and 20% of agents.
“We have noticed a decrease in a number of activities they were doing in the community, due to this disease”.
Many officers stopped carrying out some actions due to the violence. Due to Covid-19, home visits and health promotion actions in homes and also in schools have decreased.
“All of these activities have declined during this period.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
