Tobacco growing versus the health of tobacco growers

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the association between tobacco growing and the health of tobacco growers. This was a crosssectional study, performed in southern Brazil. Data collection occurred in 2012, through individual interviews at home, and administration of two validated instruments (Beck Depression Inventory and Fargerström Scale). For statistical analysis, the use of Poisson regression for associations was applied. Among the 100 tobacco growers included, 67.0% reported signs and symptoms related to green leaf sickness, 66.7% spinal problems, 25.0% heart disease, 25.0% respiratory disease, and 20.0% symptoms of mild/moderate depression. Among the smokers, 64.7% reported low dependence on nicotine. There was a statistically significant association between health problems and years of tobacco growing (p=0.001). Tobacco production compromises the health of tobacco growers in different ways; therefore, preventive and educational health measures directed at tobacco growers are necessary.