Senso de Coerência de profissionais em teletrabalho: implicações para a promoção da saúde

Abstract

Introduction: Teleworking is work carried out remotely using information and communication technologies and has become a common work practice in many companies, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Work is a protective factor and promotes health, having a humanizing impact. However, it can also be a source of suffering, illness and even death, depending on the conditions. In this regard, Aaron Antonovsky presents, based on the salutogenic theory, the sense of coherence, a human capacity to deal with stressors that can harm health. This ability, influenced by cognitive, motivational and contextual factors, allows people to mobilize cognitive resources to face challenges. General objective: To identify the level of sense of coherence among teleworkers, based on the theoretical framework of salutogenesis. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional population-based study with a sample of 202 workers whose labor activities were carried out in a hybrid or entirely remote manner, regardless of the nature of their functions. Data collection occurred through an online form and included 13 questions about the sociodemographic and professional profile of the participant as well as the validated SOC-29 questionnaire. A joint statistical analysis with complementary tests was performed in order to identify significant correlations between the sense of coherence and health indicators. Results: The results showed that most of the sample was female (51%), aged between 40 and 49 years (29%), were white (66.3%), and had an average salary above 5 minimum wages (62%). Most participants live with 2 people (27%), have their own place to telework (82%), and work remotely 4 times a week (43%). Regarding the sense of coherence level, 54% presented medium SOC and 44% had a high SOC. The administrative sector was predominant (40%), 54% had an average level of SOC and 45% had a high level. Considering aspects of life, the variables race, income, and mental health were statistically significant. They suggest hypotheses that facilitate to understand the relationships between each of the variables and the sense of coherence. When analyzing the SOC of each aspect, it is clear that the results it becomes apparent that the results converged in the same direction. This shows that the ability to mobilize personal resources to deal with stressors that can harm health, in this study, varies little according to race, income, or mental health. Conclusion: The research revealed that most participants showed a medium SOC, indicating a reasonable capacity to cope with daily stressors. Statistical analysis resulted in statistically significant data. However, the absence of qualitative parameters to explain these results leaves open questions about the underlying reasons for this level of SOC. The sample size and the diversity of positions and professions limited the precise analysis of SOC across different areas. Additionally, the lack of details in the results pointed to the need for a qualitative approach. This approach could provide deeper and more contextualized insights into SOC.