Public Workers in the University Context: Mental Health, Alcohol Use and Quality of Life

Abstract

Nowadays, it is necessary to invest in public policies in favor of university workers. The objective of the present study was to survey the physical and mental health of university workers. The study is classified as descriptive, quantitative and transversal, with a sample of 1011 university workers. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used, as well as cluster analysis using the Ward method. As a result, there is a high prevalence of physical and mental illness in the investigated sample, especially anxiety and depression. Of the workers, 45.3% reported some type of physical or psychological symptom. This question demonstrates a high incidence of illness in this population, mainly anxiety and depression. There is also a high prevalence of physical diseases in the sample investigated, especially in women. Five groups of public servants were found who presented different profiles in relation to illness at work, emphasizing the need for public policies in favor of workers' health. It is concluded that programs to promote physical and mental health are necessary in the universities, in addition to the need for the active participation of organizational psychologists in those institutions.

Keywords: worker health, survey, workplace.