Quality of Working Life and stress level of professionals in Primary Health Care

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life at work (QWL) and stress level of professionals of primary health care (PHC) in a city of triple border. A cross-sectional study was carried out in which 120 professionals of PHC answered socio-demographic, occupational, lifestyle, abbreviated QWL (QWLQ-Bref) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 13) questionnaires. It was verified association between QWL and stress levels with sociodemographic and lifestyle variables through the Student's t-test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis. Then, multiple linear regression model was performed. The results showed mean professional QWL assessment of 62.8 ± 10.0 and mean total perceived stress score of the participants was 24.5±6.0. The variable satisfaction with work remained statistically associated with global QLW, with the psychological domain and the level of stress. Skin color and sex are associated with personal and professional domains, respectively. In conclusion, work satisfaction is an important factor in determining the best QWL and protection against stress. These results should be considered by the health services and the formulation of public policies in the approach to health worker.