Mental Workload and Social Support in Primary Health Care Workers

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between mental workload and social support in Primary Health Care workers. Method: This is a quantitative cross-sectional survey with healthcare professionals from Primary Health Care in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data were collected online between July 2021 and April 2022, using the questionnaire with sociodemographic, employment and healthcare profile information; Job Stress Scale; and Subjective Mental Workload Scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, chi-square or Fischer’s exact test (with statistical significance established at p<0.05) and internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: The largest group of workers had an adequate mental workload (48.7%) and there was a prevalence of low social support (57.6%). Mental load had a significant association with having time for leisure (p<0.001) and satisfaction with work (p=0.028). Furthermore, satisfaction with work had a significant relationship with social support (p<0.001). Furthermore, social support had negative and significant correlations with mental load in the health consequences (r=-0.377; p<0.001) and work characteristics (r=-0.192; p=0.008) dimensions. Conclusion: Workers with a high mental workload have a lower perception of social support, which may have an impact on their health, considering work characteristics. Furthermore, aspects of satisfaction and leisure activities should be promoted as a way of promoting quality of life at work.