ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACTS ON THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF FAMILY FARMERS AS A RESULT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

This article presents an important analysis of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of family farmers in Brazil. The collection of quantitative and qualitative data, with men and women over 18 years of age. and that they work on small properties located within the Brazilian territory, reveals the difficulties faced by this group. The main issues addressed and that deserve to be highlighted were in relation to the contagion of COVID-19, comorbidities that are aggravating factors for the infection of the virus, deaths in the family as a result of the new coronavirus, if they presented symptoms and if anyone had any sequelae. Regarding mental health, the approach was qualitative, asking several questions to understand the degree of change regarding psychological symptoms that were presented after the pandemic period, the most answered being: insomnia, mood swings, feelings of fear or insecurity, and difficulty concentrating. And, in relation to the aspects of life most affected by the pandemic, the main ones were: professional life, financial life, and mental health. Finally, it is concluded that it is necessary to create new programs aimed at promoting the health of family farmers and the dissemination of existing policies such as the National Policy for the Integral Health of Populations of the Countryside, Forest and Water (PNSIPCFA), in addition to psychological support to deal with the impacts resulting from the pandemic. In this context, the article achieved its objectives of collaborating in the understanding of the challenges faced by family farmers during the pandemic and for the formulation of strategies that promote the health and well-being of this group.