Risco ocupacional dos agentes comunitários de saúde envolvidos no controle da tuberculose no município de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim-ES

Abstract

The contact with a patient with tuberculosis configures itself in an increased risk of infection to health professionals involved. In order to evaluate the occupational hazard of Community Health Agents ( CHA) involved in the control of tuberculosis in the city of Cachoeiro Itapemirim-ES of a prospective cohort began in April 2007 and completed in May 2008 composed of Community Health Agents displayed or not TB patients in the period of their professional activities. The annual risk of infection was 52.8% in the exposed group and 14.4% in the group of not exposed. There has been a significant shift between tuberculin and exposure to the patient with TB (RR = 3.08 95% Cl 1201 - 7914) demonstrated for conducting home visits (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0370 significance 0003) and monitoring of TB patients during her work (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0383 significance 0002). The training of CHA was not able to permanently sustain the knowledge of them about the symptoms of TB and its form of contagion. Only the variable conducting an active search "is related to previous training (RR = 1.55 95% Cl 1.06 - 2.30). The implementation of administrative measures for biosecurity routine, including tuberculin tests, should be prioritized, considering the high risk of TB among CHA. The CHA should be included in processes of Permanent Education in Health (EPS) that have significant impact on the incidence of the disease in these professionals.