Non-communicable diseases diagnosed in a health care service for dock workers: a case study in a seaport of Brazil

Abstract

Background: Dock workers are important for world economic growth. They develop work where they are exposed to risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Non-communicable diseases are characterized as disorders that affect the general population and in recent decades the number of deaths worldwide has been considered significant. The aims of this study have been to identify non-communicable diseases that affect dock workers, according to records from the Medical Outpatient Clinic for Dock Workers. Methods: Quantitative and exploratory study. Data were collected from all medical care files of dock workers in the period 2000 to 2009. A predetermined form was used, focusing on clinical data and diagnoses of non-communicable diseases. Descriptive data analysis was performed. Results: Data were collected from 953 medical care records. The population was predominantly male (90.47%) and the predominant age of workers was below 50. The most common non-communicable diseases were hypertension (8.3%); obesity (5.6%); diabetes mellitus (3%); acute myocardial infarction (0.5%). Conclusion: The results showed hypertension, obesity and diabetes as the more prevalent non-communicable diseases. Occupational health nurses possess the theoretical and practical knowledge to organize a process of care that includes prevention and promotes health strategies appropriate for the labour reality of this group of workers.