Factors associated with health-related quality of life of military policemen in Salvador, Brazil: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is a violent society and police officers play a fundamental role in this scenario. Police work is a stressful occupation. Dealing with routine violence, police officers must have high standards of physical and mental health. Patrolling the streets involves several risks and stressful situations that may hamper military policemen's quality of life. The identification of factors associated with health-related quality of life may help in planning and providing adequate care to military policemen. This study aimed to identify factors associated with health-related quality of life of military policemen in Salvador, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional design study investigated a random sample of 329 male military police officers, engaged in patrolling the streets of Salvador, Brazil. A structured questionnaire applied to the policemen collected information about age, education, marital status, income, house ownership, car ownership, police rank, working day, alcohol consumption, smoking, frequency of vigorous physical activity, obesity (body mass index ≥ 30.0), and work ability. Health-related quality of life was evaluated through the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Work ability was assessed through the Work Ability Index questionnaire. Poor work ability was defined by a 7-27 points score. Multiple linear regression models were used to measure the impact of police officers characteristics on the variation in the Physical Component and Mental Component Summary scores. RESULTS: Normalised scores were below 50.0% for seven out of the eight SF-36 domains and for the two component summaries. The SF-36 Physical Component Summary was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with poor work ability, while the Mental Component Summary was associated with poor work ability, excessive alcohol consumption, and younger age (24-34 years). Multivariate analysis estimated that the Physical Component Summary was 7.386 units (%) lower among policemen with poor work ability compared to those with moderate/good/excellent work ability. The Mental Component Summary was 12.755 units lower among those with poor work ability, 5.354 units lower among those with excessive alcohol consumption, and 5.532 units higher among those with younger age. CONCLUSIONS: The military police officers investigated presented low health-related quality of life, associated with younger age, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor work ability.

Time to treatment and severity of snake envenoming in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between time to treatment and severity of snakebite envenomation in Brazil. METHODS: This case-series retrospective study analyzed 144 251 snakebite cases in Brazil between 2007 and 2015, as reported to the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System. The main dependent variable was snakebite envenomation severity (mild/moderate/severe). The main predictor was time to treatment (early (< 6 hours) vs. delayed (≥ 6 hours)). Covariables were snake type (Bothrops/Crotalus/Micrurus/Lachesis), patient's age and sex, bite site, and treatment at a specialized care center (center/noncenter). Polytomous logistic regression techniques were used to control the covariates and assess confounding and effect modification. RESULTS: The time to treatment variable was strongly associated with the severity of snakebite envenomation. Snake type and treatment at specialized care center modified the main association effect. The association between delayed time to treatment and envenomation severity was consistently stronger among patients treated at specialized care centers than among those who were not treated at such centers. Odds ratios tended to increase significantly from moderate to severe envenomation for cases within the subgroups "Center + Bothrops" (1.37 to 2.05), "No center + Bothrops" (1.25 to 1.47), "Center + Crotalus" (1.35 to 3.03), "No center + Crotalus" (0.97 to 2.72), and "Center + Lachesis" (1.22 to 1.89). DISCUSSION: This study confirmed the classical hypothesis that the time between snakebite and initiation of medical care is associated with severity of snakebite envenomation. It is therefore necessary to provide snakebite victims early access to specialized medical care, particularly to antivenom therapy.

Prevalence of Presenteeism in Agricultural Workers: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Presenteeism, the act of showing up to work when one is ill, is a prevailing global phenomenon, at rates varying from 30% to 90%. Presenteeism results in consequences to the worker's health, like pain, depression, and poor work ability, as well as consequences to the organization like productivity loss, negative feelings and engagement of coworkers, and risk of accidents. Agriculture is an important sector for the global economy, providing employment for 27% of the global workforce. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of presenteeism and its associated factors among agricultural workers. METHODS: A systematic review was performed through searches at PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases. Observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort or case-control) that reported the prevalence of presenteeism in agricultural workers were eligible. FINDINGS: A total of 139 studies were found but only two met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies reported prevalence rates of presenteeism of 5.0% and 58.2%. Poor work safety climate, female workers, workers dissatisfied with management, and sunscreen not available at the workplace were strongly associated with the prevalence of presenteeism. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: We concluded that the scientific literature about the prevalence of presenteeism among agricultural workers is scarce. Future studies about presenteeism among agricultural workers should measure the prevalence and/or incidence of presenteeism by using the epidemiological approach and, furthermore, should integrate these measures with the work productivity approach.

Sleep disorders in correctional officers: cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Within the prison environment, where strict surveillance and prompt decision-taking are essential to maintain security, poor sleep may be hazardous to correctional officers. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of and identify factors associated with severe sleep disorders in correctional officers. Material and Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study comprised all correctional officers in a prison complex in Salvador city, Brazil. Information about sleep quality, sociodemographic and occupational aspects, lifestyle habits, and common mental disorders (self-reporting questionnaire-20 score ≥7 points) were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Severe sleep disorder was defined as a score ≥31 points according to the mini sleep questionnaire. The measure of association used was the prevalence ratio (PR). Prevalence ratios were estimated by using a Cox multivariate regression model. The final adjusted model only included the variables that presented a prevalence ratio ≥1.20. Results: The prevalence of severe sleep disorders in the 374 correctional officers was 55.3%, and was strongly (prevalence ratio ≥1.20) associated with number of stressful activities at work (RPs=1.24, 1.19, and 1.17), number of attack and threat events against the correctional officers over the last 12 months (RPs showing gradient, 1.11, 1.24, and 1.41), common mental disorders (RP=2,24), and non-White skin color (RP=1,37). Conclusion: This study found high prevalence of severe sleep disorders in correctional officers, associated with impairment of their mental health, skin color, and, particularly, with situations of stress and violence at work. These factors must be taken into account when planning and providing health care to these workers.

Work ability and associated factors in people living with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1.

BACKGROUND: Infection with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) affects an estimated 10-15 million people worldwide. However, knowledge of the impact of HTLV-1 infection on work ability is lacking. This study aimed to measure the frequency and identify factors associated with poor work ability in patients living with HTLV-1. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 207 individuals infected with HTLV-1 who attended the University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. HTLV-1 antibodies were detected in the participants' blood by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by western blotting. Participants answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, personal habits, clinical data, health-related quality of life, and work ability, evaluated using the work ability index questionnaire. A Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimate was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of poor work ability. RESULTS: Patients mean age was 55.2, ranging from 19 to 84 years, 73.0% were females, 100% had monthly family income less than US$ 394, and 33.8% presented HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). No individual was classified as having excellent work ability. Poor work ability prevalence was strongly associated (prevalence ratio; 95% confidence interval [CI]) with sedentarism (1.30; 1.03-1.65), neurological symptoms (1.25; 1.02-1.52), and low physical (0.95; 0.94-0.96) and mental (0.98; 0.97-0.99) component summaries of health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Poor work ability among people living with HTLV-1 is associated with sedentarism, neurologic symptoms, and low health-related quality of life.

Major depressive disorder in detention officers.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) in detention officers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included all detention officers from the largest prison complex in the state of Bahia, Brazil. A self-reported questionnaire collected sociodemographic, occupational and health data. The outcome variable - MDD - was evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and classified by the cut-off point ≥ 10 method and the algorithm method. The association measure used was the prevalence ratio (PR). Following Cox multivariate regression, the variables were divided into two blocks: sociodemographic characteristics and work, in that order. Only variables with adjusted PR (PRadj) ≥ 1.30 were selected to compose the final models. RESULTS: The MDD prevalence by the cut-off point ≥ 10 (simple) and algorithm method in the 401 officers investigated was 18.8% and 9.3%, respectively. MDD prevalence by cut-off point ≥ 10 was higher in female officers (PRadj = 2.77), who suffered threat from factions (PRadj = 2.05), did not report institutional training for the position (PRadj = 1.38), stated that the environment and working conditions interfered in their physical health (PRadj = 3.51) and performed stress-generating activities (PRadj in increasing gradient). MDD prevalence by the algorithm method was higher in female agents (PRadj = 3.45), with tertiary education (PRadj = 1.71), who stated that the environment and working conditions interfered in their physical health (PRadj = 6.33), suffered threat from factions (PRadj = 2.14), did not report institutional training (PRadj = 1.50) and have frequent contact with inmates at work (PRadj = 1.48). CONCLUSION: The high MDD prevalence in these detention officers was associated with sociodemographic factors and, especially, aspects of their work.

Ecological association between socioeconomic, occupational and sanitation factors and the occurrence of scorpionism in Brazil, 2007-2019. / Associação ecológica entre fatores socioeconômicos, ocupacionais e de saneamento e a ocorrência de escorpionismo no Brasil, 2007-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze ecological association between socioeconomic, occupational and sanitation characteristics and scorpionism in Brazil. METHODS: This was an ecological study with data on scorpion sting accidents reported on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (2007-2019). Negative binomial regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: In the study period there were 1,079,333 scorpion sting accidents, with a cumulative incidence rate of 41.5/100,000 inhabitants. In the adjusted analysis, there was association with the municipal percentages of: women (IRR=1.65 - 95%CI 1.18;2.30) and men (IRR=0.90 - 95%CI 0.88;0.91) working in the construction industry, women (IRR=1.21 - 95%CI 1.18;1.25) and men (IRR=0.73 - 95%CI 0.69;0.77) working in domestic service, women (IRR=1.03 - 95%CI 1.02;1.04) and men (IRR=0.93 - 95%CI 0.92;0.93) working in farming, households with refuse collection (IRR=0.99 - 95%CI 0.98;0.99) and households with refuse left nearby (IRR=1.02 - 95%CI 1.01;1.02), expected years of schooling (IRR=0.88 - 95%CI 0.83;0.92), and unemployment rate (IRR=1.07 - 95%CI 1.05;1.09). CONCLUSION: Scorpionism was associated with precarious infrastructure/sanitation, job availability, education and female occupation.

Work ability of military police officers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of work ability (WA) and describe characteristics of the subgroup with poor WA among military police officers. METHODS: A descriptive and cross-sectional study with 329 male military police officers engaged in street patrolling in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, selected by proportionate stratified sampling. The Work Ability Index and a structured form were used to collect information about age, education, marital status, housing, salary, car ownership, work hours, rank (official or enlisted), drinking, smoking, frequency of vigorous physical activity, and obesity. Data were analyzed by uni and bivariate statistical techniques. RESULTS: The work ability of the 329 military police officers was classified as poor (10.3%), moderate (28.9%), good (34.7%), and excellent (26.1%), with mean score of 37.8 and standard deviation of 7.3 points. Policemen with poor work ability, compared with those with moderate, good or excellent WA, presented higher proportions of individuals who did not own their residences (p < 0.001), with work hours above eight hours/day (p < 0.026), and obesity (p < 0.001). In the subgroup of the 26 policemen who concomitantly did not own their residences, worked more than eight 8 hours/day and were obese, the prevalence of poor work ability was 31.0%. The prevalence of poor WA was 31.0% among the 29 policemen who were simultaneously obese and did not own their residences and of 27.9% among the 43 policemen who were obese and work hours above eight hours/day. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of military police officers from Salvador presented poor or moderate work ability, which may hamper or compromise their policing activities. The prevalence of poor work ability was higher among the policemen who did not own their residences, worked more than 8 hours/day and were obese.

Fatal Snakebite Envenoming and Agricultural Work in Brazil: A Case-Control Study.

We investigated the association between fatal snakebite envenoming and agricultural work in Brazil, considering the effects of relevant covariables. A nested case-control study was performed using 1,119 fatal cases of snakebite envenoming among persons aged ≥ 10 years, notified to the Brazilian official reporting system, from 2004 to 2015. As controls, 4,476 cases were randomly selected from the 115,723 nonfatal cases of snakebite, without missing data, that occurred in the same time period. The main predictor was occupation in the agriculture sector; the main outcome was death by snakebite envenoming. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the main association, controlling for the effects of relevant covariables. Fatal cases had a 20% greater chance (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.39) of being among farmers than the controls. However, late (≥ 6 hours) time to treatment (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.70-2.36); adequate antivenom with an insufficient (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04-1.50) or excessive (OR = 4.89; 95% CI: 4.10-6.03) number of vials; inadequate antivenom and insufficient or excessive number of vials (OR = 3.87; 95% CI: 2.40-6.24); no use of antivenom (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.60-2.64); and age ≥ 60 years (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.61-2.44) were more strongly associated with lethality. Lethality was 1.0% in the period, being 0.47% among those receiving early and adequate treatment. We concluded that in Brazil, fatal snakebite envenoming was associated with agricultural work, controlling for relevant covariates. However, quality of health care provided and greater age were much more strongly associated with lethality.

Health-Related quality of life of oral health workers in primary health care in Salvador, Brazil / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de trabalhadores de saúde bucal da atenção primária à saúde em Salvador, Brasil / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de trabajadores de salud bucal de la atención primaria de salud en Salvador, Brasil

This study aimed to identify and determine the level of factors associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of oral health professionals working in Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 96 dentists and 65 dental assistants working in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in six municipalities in the metropolitan area of Salvador (BA), Brazil. The HRQoL was evaluated using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Higher mean scores in the SF-36 physical component summary were associated with younger age, post-graduate education in public health, and frequent leisure time. The mental component summary was associated with frequent leisure time, > 40 weekly working hours, suitable dental offices, satisfaction with colleagues, and satisfaction with working in PHC. The HRQoL level of oral health professionals working in primary health care in PHC in Brazil was comparable to those found in the available literature and associated with several modifiable factors. Incidentally, a literature search found few studies using the SF-36 to assess the HRQoL of oral health workers, and those found were produced outside the main scientific centers.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e determinar o nível de fatores associados à qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) de profissionais de saúde bucal que atuam na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal com 96 cirurgiões-dentistas e 65 auxiliares em saúde bucal que atuam na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) em seis municípios da região metropolitana de Salvador (BA), Brasil. A QVRS foi avaliada usando o 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Escores médios mais altos no resumo do componente físico do SF-36 foram associadas a idade mais jovem, pós-graduação em saúde pública e tempo de lazer frequente. O resumo do componente mental foi associado a tempo de lazer frequente, > 40 horas semanais de trabalho, consultórios odontológicos adequados, satisfação com os colegas e satisfação em trabalhar na APS. O nível de QVRS dos profissionais de saúde bucal que atuam na APS no Brasil foi comparável aos encontrados na literatura disponível e associado a vários fatores modificáveis. Incidentalmente, uma pesquisa bibliográfica encontrou poucos estudos que utilizam o SF-36 para avaliar a QVRS de trabalhadores da saúde bucal; e os encontrados foram produzidos fora dos principais centros científicos.

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y determinar el nivel de los factores asociados a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de los profesionales de salud bucal que actúan en la Atención Primaria de Salud en Brasil. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 96 cirujano dentista y 65 auxiliares de salud bucal que actúan en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia en seis municipios de la región metropolitana de Salvador, Brasil. La CVRS se evaluó mediante el 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Las puntuaciones medias más altas en el resumen del componente físico del SF-36 se asociaron con una edad más joven, títulos de posgrado en salud pública y tiempo libre frecuente. El resumen del componente mental se asoció con tiempo libre frecuente, > 40 horas de trabajo por semana, consultorios dentales adecuados, satisfacción con los colegas y satisfacción con el trabajo en la Atención Primaria de Salud. El nivel de CVRS de los profesionales de la salud bucal que actúan en la Atención Primaria de Salud en Brasil fue comparable a los encontrados en la literatura disponible y se asoció a varios factores modificables. Una búsqueda bibliográfica encontró pocos estudios que utilizan el SF-36 para evaluar la CVRS de los trabajadores de la salud bucal; y los encontrados estaban fuera de los principales centros científicos.

[Factors associated with voice disorders among women teachers]. / Fatores associados a alterações vocais em professoras.

This study aimed to identify risk factors for voice disorders (hoarseness in the previous six months as an initial manifestation, and vocal cord nodules as a more severe manifestation of overt disease) among teachers. The cross-sectional study included 747 women teachers from elementary and middle schools in the public school system in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia State, Brazil. Data were collected using a self-applied, standardized questionnaire. Hoarseness in the previous six months was reported by 59.2% of teachers and vocal cord nodules by 12.9%. Logistic regression techniques showed that hoarseness was statistically associated with > 24 classroom hours per week, work in more than one school, and having to make an effort to speak. Vocal cord nodules were associated with working > 5 years as a teacher, work in more than one school, working at another job besides teaching, and having to make an effort to speak. In conclusion, voice disorders are frequent among schoolteachers and are associated with multiple occupational risk factors, besides purely biological ones.

Quality of life, work ability, and facial deformities.

BACKGROUND: The face plays a central role in interpersonal relationships. Individuals with congenital or acquired facial deformities might experience difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Treatment should seek to improve their quality of life and work ability. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the health-related quality of life and work ability of individuals with facial deformities. METHOD: Study with mixed, quantitative and qualitative methods. We conducted semi-structured interviews on health-related quality of life and its implications for work with 16 individuals with facial deformities, eight cases of congenital and eight of acquired deformities, cared at specialized services in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The Work Ability Index (WAI) and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey were administered. RESULTS: Thematic analysis led us to detect two categories of themes associated with facial deformities: interpersonal relationships and work ability; and quality of life and access to treatment. The participants with acquired facial deformities exhibited lower educational level and income, and lower quality of life and WAI scores compared to the ones with congenital deformities. All the participants with congenital deformities had received some form of rehabilitation and their social relationships were less impaired. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with acquired facial deformities exhibited poorer work ability and quality of life compared to the ones with congenital deformities. Early rehabilitation of congenital deformities seems to considerably improve work ability and health-related quality of life.

INTRODUÇÃO: A face exerce papel central nas relações interpessoais. Pessoas com deformidades faciais adquiridas ou congênitas tendem a apresentar dificuldades nas relações interpessoais. O tratamento desses pacientes deve visar à melhoria de sua qualidade de vida e da capacidade para o trabalho. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e a capacidade para o trabalho de pessoas com deformidades faciais. MÉTODO: Estudo misto de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. Entrevistas semiestruturadas sobre qualidade de vida em saúde e implicações no trabalho foram realizadas com 16 pessoas com deformidades faciais, oito congênitas e oito adquiridas, procedentes de serviços de atenção especializada de Salvador, Bahia. Aplicaram-se os questionários Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT) e 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. RESULTADOS: A análise temática permitiu identificar duas categorias associadas às deformidades faciais: relações interpessoais e capacidade para o trabalho; e qualidade de vida e acesso a tratamento. Indivíduos com deformidades faciais adquiridas apresentaram menor escolaridade, renda e índices mais baixos nos indicadores de qualidade de vida e ICT, quando comparados aos do grupo com deformidades congênitas. Todos com deformidades congênitas receberam algum tipo de reabilitação e apresentaram menor comprometimento das relações sociais. CONCLUSÕES: Pessoas com deformidades faciais adquiridas apresentam maior comprometimento da sua capacidade para o trabalho e qualidade de vida do que aquelas com deformidades faciais congênitas. A reabilitação precoce das anormalidades congênitas parece exercer papel importante na melhora dos índices de ICT e de qualidade de vida em saúde.

[Envenomation by Bothrops in the State of Bahia: epidemiological and clinical aspects]. / Envenenamento por serpentes do gênero Bothrops no Estado da Bahia: aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos.

This study describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 655 cases of Bothrops snakebites that were attended by and/or notified to the Bahia Antivenin Information Center, State of Bahia, Brazil, in 2001. The annual incidence in the State was 5.0 cases/100,000 inhabitants and lethality was 1%. The incidence was greatest in the North Coast microregion (21.9/100,000 inhabitants) and the municipality of Itanagra (92.9/100,000 inhabitants). The snakebites occurred predominantly during the day, affecting the lower limbs of men aged 11-30 years who worked in rural areas during the rainy period. Medical care was obtained more than 13 hours after the snakebite in 19% of the cases. Moderate (47.8%) and severe (23.6%) clinical presentations prevailed. The local and systemic clinical manifestations followed the usual pattern for Bothrops snakebites in Brazil. However, a few cases presented neurological manifestations, which are not usually attributed to Bothrops snakebites. The antivenin therapy used (7.7 blisters/patient) reflected the fact that the majority of the cases were moderate. Antivenins other than the univalent type were used in 2.3% of the cases.

Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de profissionais de enfermagem na Bahia na pandemia da COVID-19 / Health-related quality of life of nursing professionals in Bahia, Brazil, in the COVID-19 pandemic / Calidad de vida de los profesionales de enfermería en Bahía, Brasil, en la pandemia COVID-19

Objetivo: Identificar fatores associados à qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de profissionais de enfermagem da Bahia durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Método: Estudo transversal, amostragem tipo snowball com 113 enfermeiras(os) e técnicas(os) de enfermagem. De setembro/2020 a maio/2021, num formulário eletrônico, coletaram-se informações sociodemográficas, ocupacionais, epidemiológicas e de qualidade de vida, avaliada pelo questionário WHOQOL-BREF nos seus domínios Físico, Psicológico, Relações sociais e Meio ambiente. Utilizou-se regressão linear múltipla para identificar fatores associados à variação dos domínios do WHOQOL-BREF. Resultados: Baixos escores de qualidade de vida associaram-se significantemente a várias características dos profissionais: ser caso suspeito de COVID-19, no domínio Físico; ficar sem exercer a profissão por causa da COVID-19, nos domínios Físico e Psicológico; trabalhar exclusivamente em instituições privadas, no domínio Relações sociais; ter mais idade, no domínio Relações sociais; e não receber apoio social de outras pessoas, nos domínios Físico, Psicológico, Relações sociais e Meio Ambiente. Conclusão e implicações para a prática: Ter mais idade, vínculo exclusivo com instituição privada, ser caso suspeito de COVID-19, ficar sem exercer a profissão por causa da COVID-19 e não receber apoio social associaram-se à baixa qualidade de vida de profissionais de enfermagem durante a pandemia

Objective: To identify factors associated with the health-related quality of life of nursing professionals in Bahia, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Cross-sectional study with snowball sampling including 113 nurses and nursing technicians. From September 2020 to May 2021, sociodemographic, occupational, epidemiological, and quality of life information was collected in an electronic form and evaluated with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, according to its Physical, Psychological, Social relations, and Environmental domains. Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with variation in the four quality of life domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. Results: Low quality of life mean scores were significantly associated with being a suspected case of COVID-19 (in the Physical domain), withdrawing from professional practice due to COVID-19 (Physical and Psychological domains), working exclusively in private institutions (Social relations), older age (Social relations), and lack of social support (in the Physical, Psychological, Social Relations, and Environmental domains). Conclusion and implications for the practice: Older age, exclusive work in private institutions, being a suspected case of COVID-19, withdrawing from professional practice due to COVID-19, and lack of social support were associated with lower quality of life of nursing professionals during the pandemic

Objetivo: Identificar factores asociados a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de los profesionales de enfermería de Bahía, Brasil, durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Estudio transversal, muestreo bola de nieve, con 113 enfermeros y técnicos de enfermería. De septiembre 2020 a mayo 2021, en formulario electrónico, fueron recolectadas informaciones sociodemográficas, ocupacionales, epidemiológicas y de calidad de vida, evaluadas por el cuestionario WHOQOL-BREF en sus dominios Físico, Psicológico, Relaciones Sociales y Medio Ambiente. Se utilizó la regresión lineal múltiple para identificar factores asociados con los dominios del WHOQOL-BREF. Resultados: Los puntajes bajos de calidad de vida se asociaron significativamente con ser un caso sospechoso de COVID-19 (en el dominio Físico); no ejercer la profesión a causa del COVID-19 (dominios Físico y Psicológico); trabajar exclusivamente en instituciones privadas (Relaciones Sociales); mayor edad (Relaciones Sociales); y no recibir apoyo social (en los dominios Físico, Psicológico, Relaciones Sociales y Medio Ambiente). Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica: Mayor edad, tener vinculación exclusiva con una institución privada, ser caso sospechoso de COVID-19, no ejercer la profesión a causa del COVID-19 y no recibir apoyo social se asociaron con la baja calidad de vida de los profesionales de enfermería durante la pandemia

The job content questionnaire in various occupational contexts: applying a latent class model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Job Content Questionnaire(JCQ) performance using the latent class model. METHODS: We analysed cross-sectional studies conducted in Brazil and examined three occupational categories: petroleum industry workers (n=489), teachers (n=4392) and primary healthcare workers (3078)and 1552 urban workers from a representative sample of the city of Feira de Santana in Bahia, Brazil. An appropriate number of latent classes was extracted and described each occupational category using latent class analysis, a multivariate method that evaluates constructs and takes into accountthe latent characteristics underlying the structure of measurement scales. The conditional probabilities of workers belonging to each class were then analysed graphically. RESULTS: Initially, the latent class analysis extracted four classes corresponding to the four job types (active, passive, low strain and high strain) proposed by the Job-Strain model (JSM) and operationalised by the JCQ. However, after taking into consideration the adequacy criteria to evaluate the number of extracted classes, three classes (active, low strain and high strain) were extracted from the studies of urban workers and teachers and four classes (active, passive, low strain and high strain) from the study of primary healthcare and petroleum industry workers. CONCLUSION: The four job types proposed by the JSM were identified among primary healthcare and petroleum industry workers-groups with relatively high levels of skill discretion and decision authority. Three job types were identified for teachers and urban workers; however, passive job situations were not found within these groups. The latent class analysis enabled us to describe the conditional standard responses of the job types proposed by the model, particularly in relation to active jobs and high and low strain situations.

Work ability and associated factors in people living with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1

ABSTRACT Background: Infection with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) affects an estimated 10-15 million people worldwide. However, knowledge of the impact of HTLV-1 infection on work ability is lacking. This study aimed to measure the frequency and identify factors associated with poor work ability in patients living with HTLV-1. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 207 individuals infected with HTLV-1 who attended the University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. HTLV-1 antibodies were detected in the participants' blood by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by western blotting. Participants answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, personal habits, clinical data, health-related quality of life, and work ability, evaluated using the work ability index questionnaire. A Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimate was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of poor work ability. Results: Patients mean age was 55.2, ranging from 19 to 84 years, 73.0% were females, 100% had monthly family income less than US$ 394, and 33.8% presented HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). No individual was classified as having excellent work ability. Poor work ability prevalence was strongly associated (prevalence ratio; 95% confidence interval [CI]) with sedentarism (1.30; 1.03-1.65), neurological symptoms (1.25; 1.02-1.52), and low physical (0.95; 0.94-0.96) and mental (0.98; 0.97-0.99) component summaries of health-related quality of life. Conclusions: Poor work ability among people living with HTLV-1 is associated with sedentarism, neurologic symptoms, and low health-related quality of life.

[Work conditions and mental health among doctors from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil]. / Condições de trabalho e saúde mental dos médicos de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil.

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between work conditions and minor psychological disorders (MPD) in a random sample of 350 doctors from Salvador City, State of Bahia, Brazil. Data were gathered using an individual, self-report questionnaire that incorporated the demand-control model (Job Content Questionnaire) to evaluate psychosocial aspects of the doctors' work and the Self-report Questionnaire (SRQ-20) to evaluate their mental health. The study found increased work overload, overtime and extended work shifts, multiple jobs, low income per hour worked, and unstable work arrangements with payment per procedure. The prevalence of MPD was 26.0% and was more strongly associated with aspects of the psychological demands of work than with the doctors' control over it. Doctors with high strain (high demand and low control) jobs showed MPD prevalence of 3.07 (95%IC: 1.38-6.85) times higher than those in low strain (low demand and high control) jobs.

[Liver enzyme abnormalities among oil refinery workers]. / Alteração de enzimas hepáticas em trabalhadores de refinaria de petróleo.

OBJECTIVE: Occupational exposure typical of an oil refinery may alter liver function among the workers. Thus, the objective of the study was to identify risk factors for liver enzyme abnormalities among oil refinery workers. METHODS: The workers at an oil refinery in Northeastern Brazil underwent routine annual medical examination from 1982 to 1998. This case-control study investigated all the 150 cases of individuals with simultaneous gamma-glutamyltransferase and alanine aminotransferase abnormalities of at least 10% above reference levels. As controls, 150 workers without any liver enzyme or bilirubin abnormalities since starting to work there were selected. Odds ratios and the respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated from logistic regression models. RESULTS: In all the production sectors, the risk of liver enzyme abnormalities was significantly higher than in the administrative sector (OR=5.7; 95% CI: 1.7-18.4), even when the effects of alcohol, obesity and medical history of hepatitis were controlled for. During the period from 1992 to 1994, 88 out of the 89 cases occurred among workers from the various production sectors. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure plays an important role in causing liver enzyme abnormalities among oil refinery workers. This is in addition to the specifically biological and/or behavioral risk factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption.

[Association between mental disorders and work-related psychosocial factors in teachers]. / Associação entre distúrbios psíquicos e aspectos psicossociais do trabalho de professores.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between work-related psychosocial factors and the prevalence of mental disorders among pre-school and elementary school teachers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken with 1,024 teachers from municipal public schools and from the ten largest private schools in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia State (Northeastern Brazil) in 2001. The main independent variable was based on the demand-control model, which classifies individuals according to their job pressures. The dependent variable was the incidence of mental disorders as evaluated by a self-reporting questionnaire. The measure of frequency was prevalence, and the measure of association was the prevalence ratio. A logistic regression model was used as the main statistical technique. RESULTS: There was a 44% prevalence of mental disorders among teachers. Evidence suggests that these were associated with work-related demands and control issues, after controlling for confounding variables such as sex, geographic region and social support. The prevalence of mental disorders among high-strain teachers was 1.5 times greater than that among low-strain teachers. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of mental disorders was high among teachers of the municipality. There was evidence that this was associated with job demands.

[Work conditions and physicians health in the city of Salvador, Brasil]. / Condições de trabalho e saúde dos médicos em Salvador, Brasil.

BACKGROUND: The conditions of work and health of physicians in the city of Salvador, State of Bahia, Brasil were described. METHODS: A cross sectional study investigated a random sample of 350 physicians. Information about the physical and mental health, living habits and working conditions of these physicians was collected by self-reported, individual questionnaires forwarded by mail. RESULTS: The physicians reported excessive work loads, more than one job, low income, and precarious contracting with payment for each procedure performed. A private practice was also reported by 45.2% of the physicians however only 1.5% exercised it exclusively. The most frequent health complaints were related to body posture and mental health. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of minor psychological disorders was of 26.0%. The observed conditions of work and health point to a need for major changes in the organization of medical work.