HEALTH STATUS OF PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FROM SANTA MARIA, RS, BRAZIL

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the health conditions and quality of life of primary healthcare professionals from Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed in six primary healthcare units. The sample was composed by 42 professionals who responded a semi-open questionnaire and one healthcare facility was randomly selected to participate of a focus group. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis, respectively. Results: 60% of the sample presented pain or physical complaints, particularly musculoskeletal problems and headache. In addition, 48% of the professionals reported having had depressive episodes and not having looked for help; 55% of respondents considered themselves stressed out, while 50% and 40% of them did not perform physical or leisure activities, respectively. A total of 72% of the professionals reported that work affects their health and quality of life and 62% reported that their health influences the performance of their work in primary care. Conclusions: Primary healthcare professionals presented physical and emotional fatigue and showed low practice of healthy behaviors. This may be a result of their work routine, which compromises their quality of life. Despite providing a low-technology assistance, primary healthcare brings a great demand of workload, suggesting that the government policy focused on the workers’ health should have a special look into primary healthcare professionals. DESCRIPTORS Health Status. Health Personnel. Primary Health Care.