The skin health of fishermen in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Background

Fishing is an important economic activity worldwide, but there are only a few studies on the skin health of fishermen. Daily activities in fishing communities expose fishermen to risks of traumatic, actinic, and sea dermatoses.

Methods

A semi‐structured questionnaire was applied to 388 fishermen from 2014 to 2015 at their workplace (Z‐8 to Z‐13 fishing communities). The data collected were evaluated for descriptive analysis. In the bivariate analysis of the data, the Pearson chi‐square test was used. The multinomial logistic regression was used to obtain estimates of odds ratios and adjusted confidence intervals for confounding variables.

Results

Three hundred and nine (79.6%) fishermen reported accidents during their fishing activity. The main fish species implicated were Genidens genidens and Scorpaena brasiliensis. Inappropriate or potentially harmful traditional treatments without scientific evidence of efficacy were recorded as main/auxiliary treatment. Other significant skin injuries were due to trauma from fishing tackle and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Three hundred and twenty (82.5%) fishermen reported that they had never used any sun protective devices or sunscreen.

Conclusions

Traumatic injuries due to fish stings were the most common accidents in this group. Despite chronic occupational sun exposure and its hazards, most fishermen did not adopt any method of photoprotection. Health educational activities as well as a specific health program for these professionals are necessary to improve the health of fishermen in Guanabara Bay area.

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