Mental distress affects one in three sugarcane workers in Campinas region, study finds

A doctoral thesis from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) reveals that one in three sugarcane workers in the Campinas Metropolitan Region (RMC) exhibit signs of mental distress. The study surveyed 100 professionals in the sugarcane industry, identifying common mental disorder symptoms in 33% of participants. These symptoms include anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, and persistent fatigue. It is important to note that these findings indicate potential need for further evaluation rather than a formal diagnosis. The research, defended in February 2026 by physiotherapist Beatriz Machado de Campos Corrêa Silva, highlighted that manual laborers in the sugarcane fields reported the highest rates of mental distress and fatigue. Specifically, 43.5% of manual workers showed signs of common mental disorders and 32.3% experienced elevated fatigue, compared to 11.8% and 5.9% among drivers, respectively. The study also noted that 50% of women surveyed reported elevated fatigue, significantly higher than the 18.6% reported by men, potentially due to the combined burden of professional and domestic responsibilities. Silva's research addresses a gap in understanding the mental health impact on workers following the mechanization of sugarcane harvesting, which reduced physically demanding manual cutting but shifted focus away from worker well-being. The study observed inadequate working conditions, including poor sanitation and rest areas, and the challenges faced by herbicide applicators working under the sun with heavy equipment. The researcher advocates for increased oversight and closer collaboration with occupational health teams, emphasizing that understanding workers' daily realities is crucial for effective support.