The role of physical activity in self-rated health in a region affected by mining dam collapse: Brumadinho Health Project

Introduction: Self-rated health is a robust measure of overall health status, encompassing an individual's physical, mental, and social health. This multidimensional characteristic highlights the potential of this variable in studies conducted in regions affected by major disasters. This study assessed the prevalence of poor self-rated health and its association with sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, multimorbidity, and place of residence among adult residents of Brumadinho, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, following the collapse of a mining tailings dam. Materials and methods: It is a cross-sectional study based on baseline data from the Brumadinho Health Project, which was conducted in 2021 and included 2,771 individuals aged 18 years or older. The outcome variable was poor self-rated health, while the exploratory variables included sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, multimorbidity, and place of residence (area directly affected by the disaster; region with mining activity; unexposed). The association between exploratory variables and the outcome was evaluated using logistic regression. Results: interaction = 0.002). Discussion: These results demonstrate that the residential context modifies the effect of physical activity on self-rated health, such that residents in areas affected by tailings mud or with mining activity do not benefit from engaging in physical activity at recommended levels, at least regarding health perception. Greater efforts to improve environmental conditions may be necessary in regions impacted by major disasters or environmental degradation due to mining processes.