Implications of the covid-19 pandemic in psychosocial aspects and ability to work in Brazilian workers: a longitudinal study

• Grant number: 20/16183-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: March 01, 2022
• End date: May 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Tatiana de Oliveira Sato
• Grantee: Marcela Alves Andrade
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação (PROPG). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought concerns related to contamination and the economic consequences, since one of the only ways of coping with the disease is social isolation. Informal workers had to stop working. In contrast, workers in sectors considered essential; like health workers, commerce, public security and drivers, continued to work, suffering from the fear of falling ill due to the high risk of contamination in the workplace. Home office workers face the need to work from home, in environmental conditions that are not always adequate and having to deal with new communication technologies. Thus, the current scenario involves psychosocial aspects highly unfavorable to the workers' health, which can compromise their work ability.Objective: To evaluate psychosocial aspects and work ability in workers from different economic sectors, with longitudinal monitoring for 12 months.Methods: Workers from different economic sectors will participate in this study through a web based survey. Assessments involve baseline data and quartely assessments for 12 months. In the baseline assessment, three instruments will be used: 1. Sociodemographic and occupational questionnaire; 2. Copenhagen II Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ II-Br) short version; and 3. Work Ability Index (WAI). The quartely evaluation will involve aspects related to health and work ability. Expected results: It is expected to understand how the pandemic affects psychosocial aspects and work ability according to the worker's occupation. (AU)