Abstract

MUNOZ QUEZADA, María Teresa  and  LUCERO MONDACA, Boris Andrés. Professional quality of life of women workers in a school for students with multiple disabilities. Salud de los Trabajadores [online]. 2013, vol.21, n.2, pp.151-162. ISSN 1315-0138.

The purpose of this study was to explore the physical and mental health, and quality of life among teachers, education professionals and paraprofessionals serving students with multiple disabilities. Using a qualitative case study-based approach, 15 women workers were interviewed in a school for children with multiple disabilities. In addition, they completed the short version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ- 12), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Quality of Professional Life Questionnaire (CVP-35). Results indicated that about half of the workers (40%) presented an increased risk of poor mental health and emotional exhaustion. More than 90% had a low level of depersonalization, but high sense of personal accomplishment and a good overall quality of life at work. However, the interviews uncovered evidence of physical fatigue, aggression by pupils, musculoskeletal injury due to by sudden heavy lifting and sensation of a poorly distributed workload that generates undisclosed discomfort in the workers. The presence of a good working environment and participative leadership from upper management could conceivably facilitate the development of an effective intervention to improve the quality of work and physical health of women workers.

Keywords : Occupational health; faculty; specialeducation; disability.

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