Desastre socioambiental: condições de saúde dos atingidos na perspectiva dos profissionais de saúde e gestores

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the health conditions of the population affected by the mining dam collapse from the perspective of healthcare professionals and managers. Method: this is a qualitative case study, conducted using public domain documents and interviews with healthcare professionals and managers, from March to May 2022, totaling 14 participants. The data were analyzed according to the theoretical propositions strategy based on the Social Determinants of Health. Results: the health conditions of this population have worsened in terms of respiratory problems, gastroenteritis, obesity, arboviruses, increased use of alcohol and drugs, and mental illnesses. The loss of employment, home, and community belonging of those affected is highlighted. Conclusion: the socio-environmental disaster was a conditioning factor for changes in the health conditions of those affected, exposing them to new scenarios and overlapping risks capable of modifying their quality of life and aggravating their biopsychosocial health conditions.

Health and Mining Practices in Indigenous Territories

“…(19) Unfortunately, episodes of sexual violence against Yanomami children, adolescents, and women perpetrated by invading gold prospectors have been documented in other regions. (21) They can also affect isolated indigenous peoples through environmental pollution, exposing indigenous populations to mercury and diseases that are common in society, given that these populations lack immunity to these diseases.. (25) The mining is not sustainable... Along with mining comes drugs, prostitution, alcohol, clandestine airstrips, and machinery that creates airstrips for planes because there is no oversight.…”

“…Nursing, through Primary Health Care (PHC), can identify immediate needs, leading efforts in epidemiological surveillance, disease monitoring, and tracking 25 , supported by the development of health education actions and case management.…”

“…It is known that indigenous exposure to Hg reflects the impact on biodiversity, contaminating rivers and food sources, and on the health of indigenous people, leading to diarrhea, skin lesions, and other health problems 24 . In this regard, nursing can advise atrisk groups to undergo regular health exams and make referrals when exposure to Hg is identified 25 .…”

“…These health issues highlight the need for healthcare teams, especially nurses, to identify cases of violence on-site and provide psychological support to communities affected by mining impacts, as there can be significant psychological consequences 25 due to threats of territory invasion and health concerns 20,24 .…”

“…Regarding the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became evident that the invasion of gold miners and direct contact with non-indigenous people facilitated the spread of the virus 25 , and the weaknesses in defending the human rights of indigenous peoples were exposed 5,9 . This demonstrates that federal institutions responsible for the defense of indigenous peoples neglected and denied resources for the control and combat of COVID-19 in indigenous villages, as evidenced in core theme 1.…”