| Summary: | Background
World Health Organization Framework Convention on
Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in its article 18 recommends Parties to protect environment
and human health against impacts of tobacco farming. Last Conferences of the
Parties of WHO FCTC have made recommendations to the development of educational
programs to the dissemination of harmful health and environmental impacts of
tobacco farming among tobacco growers. The intention of this study was to
propose guidelines for the development of health education programs addressed
to tobacco growers, based on the historical, social and cultural context of
tobacco farming in southern Brazil.
Methods
In this exploratory study, secondary data were
analyzed from a research project conducted by Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in a
small tobacco-growing municipality, in 2013. The original study described women
tobacco farmers' opinions, beliefs and concerns on relationship between tobacco
farming, environment, and health. Data were analyzed qualitatively, looking for
elements to support health education programs.
Results
Main elements identified were: knowledge and naturalization
of health risks; knowledge of negative impacts of tobacco farming on environment,
but without believing that they have the potential to compromise their health;
disbelief in performance of public services (government).
Health education programs in tobacco growing areas
should be based on the reality of each territory (historical, social and
cultural context). Dialogic processes should be the basis of programs, leading
to the empowerment of farmers as protagonists of their personal issues. Social
organization should be organized in the tobacco growing areas to strengthen
local support networks and social control over public policies. Strengthening
social organization can aid to weaken tobacco industry interference with the
lives of farmers. Health education programs should be developed from an
intersectoral and integrative perspective.
Conclusions
Health education programs should be guided by the
concerns and needs experienced by tobacco growers to strengthen their autonomy
and promote reflection on healthier livelihoods.
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