Condições de trabalho e problemas de saúde em Enfermagem na maternidade de um hospital universitário

Abstract

This work involves Epidemiology and consists in a non-experimental quantitative cross-sectional study based on inferential and descriptive statistics. It derived from the following question: based on the perception of nursing professionals working in a university hospital maternity ward, what is the association between health problems and occupational risks? The aim of this study was to analyze nursing professionals health problems and their association with work based on their perceptions. This study was carried out in a Rio de Janeiro state university hospital with a sample of 60 nursing professionals in 2009. For data collection a questionnaire by Boix and Vogel (1997) adapted from Mauro (2009) was used. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 12.0. All kinds of risk were timidly pointed out by the participating professionals as existing risks in the studied field, but mechanical accident risks, ergonomic risks and conflict and violence situations stood out. The results illustrate an inappropriate work environment which may have a direct impact on professionals health. Besides, they highlight the need for minimization, control or elimination of the aforementioned risks. Concerning health problems, depression, stress, eye problems, hypertension, varicose veins, breathing problems and back pain were the most cited problems. Recommendations for improvement of working conditions and for the professionals health promotion were elaborated in this study.