The issue of mental health in occupational health surveillance.
This paper addresses the issue of mental health in the Occupational Health Surveillance (VISAT) context. It seeks to present theoretical aspects and institutional policies contributing to the incorporation of mental health dimensions into the VISAT process, in view of the pressing need to attend to this demand that is becoming increasingly important in the occupational health area, especially within the scope of the National Comprehensive Occupational Healthcare Network (RENAST). Some theoretical approaches and practical experiences in mental health and work are systematically presented and discussed in this essay. A survey is also conducted of potential strategies to integrate mental health into VISAT actions. It is our view that the origins of illnesses and ensuing harm are closely linked to the elements involved in work organization and management. Consequently, surveillance practices should include and identify generating components of these negative aspects. The diversity of illnesses caused by work processes and conditions calls for major investment to ascertain and change the situations that give rise to such illnesses.
Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil, luis_leao@hotmail.com.
Luís Henrique da Costa
LH
Leão
Centro de Estudos da Saúde do Trabalhador e Ecologia Humana, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fiocruz.
Carlos Minayo
CM
Gomez
D001938:Brazil; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D016272:Occupational Health; D062486:Public Health Surveillance / Q000379:methods