Situação de saúde de servidores da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Abstract

The field of Occupational Health holds great importance in promoting and preventing health, as well as in improving people's quality of life. In the context of federal public servants, there is still a lack of related studies and disjointed policies that do not favor the best health conditions for this population. The objective of this work was to characterize the health status of employees in a higher education institution, with the aim of identifying the frequencies of employees with chronic diseases, their dietary habits, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, physical exercise, as well as possible associations. It also aimed to assess the level of employee satisfaction with the worker health services offered. Data was collected through a sample of 564 questionnaires answered by the employees themselves. It was observed that 63.12% of the participants had at least one chronic disease, with anxiety, depression, systemic arterial hypertension, musculoskeletal disorders, and dyslipidemia being the most prevalent. It was also found that 57.45% of the employees use some form of medication continuously, with antidepressants being the most commonly used. Additionally, it was noted that engaging in physical exercise is directly associated with a better perception of one's own health, while a greater number of chronic diseases is associated with a poorer perception. There is a long way to go in asserting the health of workers as something effective and consolidated in the public service. However, having a thorough understanding of the reality of the employees, their main barriers to access, and challenges in taking care of their own health is certainly essential for the development of an institutional policy aimed at the wellbeing of the entire workforce. Furthermore, additional studies can play a significant role in complementing this understanding, providing valuable information that will guide future actions and initiatives aimed at promoting a robust and effective culture of health within the public service.