SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND WORK PERCEPTION ACCORDING TO WORKERS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES IN A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the sociodemographic profile and work perception according to workers with and without physical disabilities in the Federal University of Paraíba (Campus I), João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 26 employees categorized into two groups, 50% of Workers with Disabilities (WD) and 50% of Workers without Disabilities (WWD). We used the Sociodemographic and work perception questionnaire (compiled by and adapted through the ANACT method). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics on SPSS version 19.0. Results: Both groups were comprised mostly of women: 53.8% (WD) and 69.2% (WWD). The WD predominated in the age group 50-59 years (38.5%), unlike the WWD that were found predominantly in the group 20-29 years (53.8%). The majority was married: 46.2% (WD) and 53.8% (WWD); the education level as a specialist was 38.5% and 30.8% for the WD and WWD groups, respectively. As to the work perception, most WD (69.2%) and WWD (53.8%) referred to work as being important; with regard to the end of the workday, WD reported tiredness (46,2%), while WWD had no complaints (69.2%). Conclusion: The results suggest that WD give more value to their work, although they refer to an uncomfortable feeling (tiredness), suggesting the conduction of further studies in order to provide these workers with preventive and health promotion measures. DESCRIPTORS: Physical disability. Occupational Health. Work Capacity Evaluation.