Working conditions at Basic Care in small municipalities in the north of the state of Paraná

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the working conditions in primary care in small towns in northern Paraná according to the opinion of coordinators of the Basic Health Units and dental service. Method Cross-sectional study performed in small towns of three Health Regionals of northern Paraná with coordinators of the Basic Health Units and dentists working in these municipalities. Data were collected through a semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire. Results regardingthe physical work environment, the space for the team, followed by furniture and equipment, were considered inadequate. Of the 60 respondents, 20% have suffered some sort of accident at work, and 41.6% of those with puncturing and sharp material. Regarding the staff, managers and dentists mentioned that 43.3% of the team members have already had accidents at work, and 46.7% were on a leave due to work-related diseases. They were required to make a self-evaluation, giving a grade for their physical and mental health, as well as for the team’s. The self-referred average was 7.6 for physical health, and 7.66 for mental health. The team received 8.25 for physical health, and 8.31 for mental health. Conclusion The results evidenced the importance of knowning and analyzing the working conditions and work-related accidents in primary care, which contributes to the planning and improvements in the environment and in the work process of the teams, consequently improving their work and health conditions.