Percepción de la salud por parte de los agricultores en zonas de producción agrícolas dedicadas al monocultivo de maíz duro. Caso Cantón Ventanas, Provincia de Los Ríos-Ecuador

Abstract

The perception of the health of agricultural workers is important for Public Health in Ecuador. The objective of the study was to identify the main diseases perceived by small farmers dedicated to the monoculture of hard corn in Canton Ventanas - Ecuador. A cross - sectional descriptive study was carried out in six areas considered important in the agricultural production of the grass. A structured interview and in situ observation of the areas under study were used to collect the information. The main physical and mental health conditions were investigated. Data were statistically treated using non-parametric tests. The main diseases perceived by farmers and families were the muscular and bone diseases of the blood and immune system, cardiac and respiratory, organs of the senses (eyes and ears), blood and genitourinary system, skin and digestive; visual, auditory and motor impairment. It was concluded that farmers and their families present health conditions, a moderate level of stress and mental suffering resulting from the mode of production in which they participate and inserted in a direct and indirect way.