Occupational Health of Rural Workers

a review on risk Prevention

Abstract

Objective: this study aims to review socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional factors that influence rural workers' adherence to preventive measures, analyzing the occupational risks they face. Method: an integrative review was conducted, including articles published between 2020 and 2025 in the Lilacs and SciELO databases, using the descriptors Rural Worker Health, Occupational Exposure, Agricultural Worker Diseases, and Rural Population Health.
Results: 42 articles were identified, 7 duplicates removed, 35 screened, 19 excluded, 16 assessed for eligibility, 8 excluded, and 8 included. Findings indicate that thermal discomfort, high costs, and low education levels hinder the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), increasing workers' vulnerability to severe conditions such as skin cancer and pesticide poisoning. Additionally, the lack of specialized training and effective public policies limits the adoption of preventive practices. Conclusion: climate-adapted technological innovations, technical training programs, and epidemiological surveillance systems are essential to improving the safety and quality of life of rural workers. These findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated interventions to protect the health of these professionals.