Fatores de risco cardiovascular em trabalhadores da coleta de resíduos sólidos urbanos: um estudo longitudinal quantitativo

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and represent a serious public health problem. In Brazil, they were responsible for approximately 400,000 deaths in 2022. Their occurrence is directly related to factors such as population aging, physical inactivity, inadequate eating habits, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. This scenario makes it essential to investigate risk factors in vulnerable populations, especially workers exposed to unfavorable socioeconomic and environmental conditions, such as recyclable-material collection agents. This study aimed to understand the risk factors for CVDs among workers of the Environmental Agents Association of Santa Helena, Paraná. Specifically, it sought to map the socioeconomic profile, assess health conditions, analyze participants’ knowledge about CVDs, verify understanding and adherence to treatment among hypertensive individuals, and outline this group’s cardiovascular risk profile. The research, longitudinal, prospective, and quantitative, was conducted between September and November 2025, including 54 workers. Data collection involved a socioeconomic questionnaire, weekly measurements of blood pressure and heart rate, blood glucose testing, and the application of validated instruments assessing knowledge of CVDs and hypertension. Ethical principles were followed in accordance with resolutions of the National Health Council. The results revealed a profile marked by social vulnerability: low educational attainment, limited income, high dependence on social benefits, and predominantly rented housing. Most participants work 40 hours per week in physically exhausting activities. Musculoskeletal health showed significant impairment, with a high frequency of back, joint, and muscle pain. Mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression also stood out, all recognized as factors that increase cardiovascular risk. Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were present in a significant portion of the sample. Hemodynamic monitoring identified uncontrolled hypertensive individuals, people with possible undiagnosed hypertension, and participants with normal blood pressure. In many cases, low treatment adherence, therapeutic failures, and delayed seeking of medical care were observed, usually only when symptoms appeared. Lifestyle habits such as alcohol and tobacco use were recorded at concerning levels. Overall, the analysis shows that socioeconomic factors, working conditions, low educational attainment, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate lifestyle habits combine to increase this population’s cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, although these workers play an important environmental and social role, they continue to be exposed to long-standing precarious conditions that directly impact their health. It is concluded that the environmental agents of Santa Helena present profiles that place them at heightened cardiovascular risk, reinforcing the need for integrated public policies, health promotion, continuous monitoring, educational actions, and expanded access to clinical follow-up. The study contributes to understanding CVDs in socioeconomically vulnerable groups and to improving prevention strategies within the context of Brazilian public health.