Qualidade de vida no trabalho de profissionais que assistem crianças e adolescentes em situação de violência (Minas Gerais)

Abstract

Violence against children and adolescents constitutes a serious public health problem and requires integrated action from social protection networks and health services. Within the context of the Brazilian Unified Health System, Primary Health Care plays a fundamental role in the identification, notification, and monitoring of these situations. However, assisting victims of violence exposes professionals to institutional, emotional, and organizational challenges that can impact their Quality of Life at Work. In this scenario, it becomes relevant to understand how working conditions and the organization of services influence the experience of these professionals. The objectives of this research are to offer a comprehensive, critical, and applied perspective to strengthen public policies and care practices within the Unified Health System and to understand the factors associated with Quality of Life at Work constructed by Primary Health Care professionals regarding the care of victims of child and adolescent violence. This Dissertation Equivalent Work integrates the production of a book chapter and an empirical article, developed within the scope of a research project on child and adolescent violence in the Health Care Network of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. The book chapter presents a theoretical discussion on the evolution of the concept of health, the social determinants of health, worker health, and the theoretical frameworks of Quality of Life at Work, articulating these dimensions to the context of work in health and assistance in situations of violence. The empirical article consists of a mixed-methods, descriptive-exploratory study conducted with 36 primary health care professionals. Data collection was carried out using the Total Quality of Life at Work instrument and three open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using Jamovi software, and qualitative data were examined through thematic content analysis and Descending Hierarchical Classification with the support of IRaMuTeQ software. The results indicated an overall average Quality of Life at Work score of 64.38, classified as overwhelming. The psychological and behavioral sphere showed a more positive evaluation, while the economic and political sphere revealed greater dissatisfaction among the participants. The narratives revealed that attending to cases of child and adolescent violence mobilizes feelings such as indignation, helplessness, and emotional suffering. Furthermore, institutional challenges related to communication between services, the articulation of the protection network, and the organization of work were identified. Among the strategies suggested by professionals, the expansion of institutional support, the provision of specific training, and the strengthening of multidisciplinary action stand out. It is concluded that assisting cases of child violence in Primary Health Care involves emotional and institutional challenges that influence the work experience of professionals. Strengthening organizational conditions, qualifying teams, and improving integration between services in the protection network are fundamental to promoting Quality of Life at Work and ensuring more effective assistance to victims. The results reinforce the importance of institutional policies external to worker health and the improvement of care practices in the Unified Health System.