Unveiling factors that contribute to functional aging among health care shiftworkers in São Paulo, Brazil.

The aims of this study were to evaluate aging factors associated with work stressors, work ability, and the quality of living conditions, among health care personnel. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 176 health care shiftworkers. Two health survey questionnaires (Tuomi et al., 1997, Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 17(Suppl 1), 67-74; and Tepas, 1996, unpublished instrument) were completed and ergonomic work analyses (Rohmert & Landau, 1983, A new technique for job analysis, London and New York: Taylor & Francis) were carried out at the emergency wards. Main concerns about exposure at the workplace were changes in equipment and technology, transportation, and changes in employer policies. Main concerns about off-the-job conditions were personal safety, increases in the cost of living, food safety, and water and air quality. 81.7% scored adequate (> 36.5 points) in the Work Ability Index, and considered themselves having adequate current work ability to cope with physical, mental, and social demands. The most frequently reported diseases were musculoskeletal disorders and minor emotional problems.

Envelhecimento funcional e condiçöes de trabalho em servidores forenses / Aging and work conditions in forensic workers

Objetivo: Avaliar o envelhecimento funcional (capacidade para o trabalho) associado às condiçöes de trabalho. Métodos: Responderam ao questionário "Indice de Capacidade para o Trabalho" (ICT), 807 servidores de uma instituiçäo judiciária federal. As condiçöes de trabalho foram analisadas através do método de análise ergonômica do trabalho. Resultados: A maioria das funçöes estudadas tem predomínio de demandas cognitivas no trabalho. Os diagnósticos mais referidos foram: doenças músculo-esqueléticas (e lesöes), neurológicas (incluindo distúrbio emocional), respiratórias, digestivas, dermatológicas e cardiovasculares. Os modelos de análise de regressäo logística mostraram que as mulheres, aqueles com maior tempo de trabalho na instituiçäo e os com cargo de auxiliar operacional de serviços diversos têm maiores chances de apresentar ICT baixo ou moderado. Conclusöes: Os resultados ressaltam a necessidade de melhorar as condiçöes de trabalho. Sugere-se a implementaçäo do Serviço Especializado em Engenharia de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho, como exige a Lei 6.514 de 1977