Abstract

Objective:

To understand the prevalence of ocular manifestations in port workers and identify associated factors.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study carried out in a seaport in southern Brazil. A total of 232 workers participated in the study. Structured interviews were applied for data collection. Student's t-test was used for independent samples to compare the means of workers with ocular manifestations, applying qualifiers with a moderate minimum level (presence of ocular manifestations) and with a low level or without ocular manifestations (lack of ocular manifestations). The Mann-Whitney test was used for cases of asymmetry. Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were carried out to compare the rates, whereas Poisson Regression was used to control the confounding factors.

Results:

The prevalence of self-reported ocular manifestations was 92.2%. Ocular manifestations were: itching/pruritus (49.1%), rash (41.4%), burning (39.2%), lacrimation (34.9%), fatigue (32.3%), change in ocular pigmentation (26.7%), pain (17.7%), eye dryness (14.2%), and pressure sensation behind the eyes (9.9%). The use of film for wrapping goods contributed to a higher prevalence of ocular manifestations. The use of gloves as personal protective equipment led to a lower prevalence of these manifestations.

Conclusion:

The findings of the current study may contribute to the clinical assessment of nurses in approaching port workers, as well as to guide the planning and implementation of social and environmental care in line with the health needs of these or other workers.

Keywords
Eye manifestations; Public health nursing; Occupational health nursing; Nursing assessment