Returning to work for individuals with health problems: Experiences in Brazil.

PURPOSE: In 1999, the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) created the Worker Health Care Service with the purpose to implement health promotion and health protection policies in the workplace. This service supported workers with impairments and resulted from health proposals by a Professional Counseling Outplacement Program. The objectives of this study were to describe the demographic and impairment-related characteristics of workers and to evaluate their outcomes. METHOD: Quantitative and qualitative methods were used for data analyses. First, a questionnaire was developed for collection of quantitative data. Secondly, in-depth interviews evaluated the perceptions of workers, supervisors and workmates concerning the program. RESULTS: Of the 78 workers who attended the Outplacement Program, 65 (83%) were considered effective and capable of working, and 13 (17%) were retired. A sample of 38 workers took part in this study and 21 (76%) developed osteomuscular disease. Most returned to previous professional activities, after concluding the program. However, 27 individuals (71%) returned to work with job restrictions. Important constructs emerged from the interviews performed with workers, their supervisors and colleagues, regarding the lack of routine procedures of university policies, exceeding the tasks required in the work environment, and decreases of the workers' roles in the presence of limiting health conditions. The findings led to a redefinition of the role of individuals involved in the Professional Counseling Outplacement Program. CONCLUSIONS: These results may contribute to the development of a new professional rehabilitation policy in educational institutions in Brazil.

Papel dos pais no desenvolvimento de jovens futebolistas / Parents role in the development of soccer players

Este estudo investigou o papel dos pais no desenvolvimento de atletas jovens de futebol. Foram voluntários nesse projeto 20 pais e 12 filhos jogadores, entre as idades de 15 e 18 anos, participantes da temporada 2000 do Campeonato Mineiro. Utilizou-se uma abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa, através de formulários, questionários e entrevistas semi-estruturadas de aprofundamento. Constatou-se que os pais tinham pouco envolvimento nos treinamentos e competições dos atletas, não alteraram a rotina familiar em função dos treinamentos dos mesmos. O relativo apoio dos pais não prejudicou o progresso dos filhos devido os pais permitirem os mesmos praticarem o futebol livremente. Outro aspecto importante foi o progresso dos filhos devido à paixão, à intensidade e freqüência de prática, além do apelo financeiro que o futebol profissional evoca no Brasil. Esses resultados indicam a necessidade de precauções quando se considerar paradigmas de primeiro mundo em outras culturas na qual exista restrição contextual.