Work context and pleasure-suffering in primary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Contexto de trabajo y placer-sufrimiento en la atención primaria de salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19
Contexto de trabalho e prazer-sofrimento na atenção primária à saúde durante a pandemia da COVID-19
Marcelo Nunes da Silva Fernandes; Tainara Wink Vieira; Polla Victória Paim Rodrigues Finckler; Letícia de Lima Trindade; Juliana Petri Tavares; Daiane Dal Pai
Abstract
Objective to analyze the work context and the pleasure and suffering relations among Primary Health Care professionals during the 2019 Coronavirus pandemic.
Method mixed-method study conducted with 52 health teams from September 2021 to February 2022. A total of 224 professionals participated in the quantitative stage and 20 in the qualitative stage. Quantitative data were submitted to analytical statistics, and qualitative data to Thematic Content Analysis.
Results scales indicated a critical evaluation of organization (mean 3.45 ± 0.71) and working conditions (3.22 ± 1.02), as well as professional burnout (3.29 ± 1.71), and lack of recognition (2.33 ± 1.69); freedom of expression was satisfactory (4.30 ± 1.37). Professionals with chronic diseases showed higher levels of burnout (p≤0.001) and lower fulfillment/greater lack of recognition (p≤0.002); longer professional experience was associated with fulfillment and freedom of expression (p≤0.002), but also with burnout (p≤0.004). Qualitatively, suffering due to uncertainties, readaptations, and fear stood out; pleasure was derived from vaccination and recognition.
Conclusion and implications for the practice The pandemic changed working conditions and organization, with subjective suffering predominating, mediated by labor obstacles, while pleasure acted as resistance. Investment in infrastructure, professional appreciation, and occupational health policies within Primary Health Care is urgently needed.
Keywords
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Resumo
Objetivo: analisar o contexto de trabalho e as relações de prazer e sofrimento de profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde na pandemia do Coronavírus de 2019.
Método: estudo de método misto, realizado com 52 equipes de saúde no período de setembro de 2021 a fevereiro de 2022. Participaram 224 profissionais na etapa quantitativa e 20 na qualitativa. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos à análise estatística analítica, e os qualitativos, à Análise Temática de Conteúdo.
Resultados: as escalas indicaram avaliação crítica da organização (média 3,45 ± 0,71) e das condições de trabalho (3,22 ± 1,02), bem como esgotamento profissional (3,29 ± 1,71) e falta de reconhecimento (2,33 ± 1,69); a liberdade de expressão foi satisfatória (4,30 ± 1,37). Profissionais com doença crônica apresentaram maior esgotamento (p<0,001) e menor realização/falta de reconhecimento (p≤0,002); maior tempo de experiência associou-se à realização e liberdade de expressão (p≤0,002), mas também ao esgotamento (p=0,004). Na etapa qualitativa, destacou-se sofrimento por incertezas, readaptações e medo; prazer por vacinação e reconhecimento.
Conclusão e implicações para a prática: a pandemia alterou as condições e a organização do trabalho, predominando sofrimento subjetivo mediado por obstáculos laborais, com prazer como resistência. Urge investir em infraestrutura, valorização profissional e políticas de saúde do trabalhador na Atenção Primária à Saúde.
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Referências
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Aceito em:
11/02/2026
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