Health-related quality of life of oral health workers in primary health care in Salvador, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the level of and identify factors associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of oral health professionals working in primary health care in Brazil. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 96 dentists and 65 dental assistants working in the Family Health Strategy in six municipalities in the metropolitan area of Salvador, Brazil. HRQoL was evaluated using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Higher mean scores in the SF-36 Physical Component Summary were associated with younger age, post-graduate education in public health, and frequent leisure time. The Mental Component Summary was associated with frequent leisure time, >40 weekly working hours, suitable dental offices, satisfaction with colleagues, and satisfaction with working in primary health care. In conclusion, the HRQoL level of oral health professionals working in primary health care in Brazil was comparable to those found in the available literature and associated with several modifiable factors. Incidentally, a literature search found very few studies about the HRQoL of oral health workers that use the SF-36 and those found were produced outside the main scientific centers.