OCCUPATIONAL RISKS AND HEALTH PROBLEMS PERCEIVED BY PROFESSIONAL NURSING IN HOSPITAL UNIT

Abstract

This study aimed to identify risk factors at work and health problems perceived by nursing staff of an institute for tropical diseases. This is a descriptive exploratory study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 99 nursing staff, in the year 2011. A questionnaire created by Boix and Vogel in 1997 was applied for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS® version 17.0. The study was appreciated by the Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal do Piauí. Among the risk factors pointed out, biologics aspects, followed by ergonomic, physical and psychosocial hazards, were highlighted. In relation to health problems related to work, the most frequent ones were: varicose veins, musculoskeletal problems, sleep disorders and psychosocial problems, such as stress and depression. So, then the work environment has risk factors that interfere in occupational health nursing.