QUALITY OF LIFE OF FARMERS IN COCONUT PRODUCTION: Situation of these workers working in the irrigated perimeter of São Gonçalo-PB, when exposed to pesticides

This study aimed to investigate the quality of life of farmers exposed to pesticides in coconut production in the irrigated perimeter of São Gonçalo. This was a cross-sectional, field, exploratory study with a quantitative approach, with the application of two questionnaires, the first for sociodemographic data and exposure of workers to pesticides and the second, quality of life assessment: Short Form 36 (SF36), which is a validated questionnaire. The research was conducted in the municipality of Sousa-PB, with 25 workers exposed to pesticides in coconut production in the São Gonçalo Irrigated Perimeter. Descriptive analysis was performed with a significance level of 5%. The sample was characterized by middle-aged adults; with age range between 18 and 74 years, male; 40% predominant from the Housing Nucleus III; 40% of the workers with incomplete elementary school education; 84% married, 72% brown-skinned; and with family income of 1 to 2 minimum wages (56%). The worst scores, according to SF36, were in relation to Physical Aspects, Emotional Aspects and Pain. Therefore, exposure to pesticides interferes with the quality of life of workers, causing intoxication.