Psychosocial risk factors at work: perspectives of master’s and doctoral students working in the health sector

Abstract

Objective: To analyze psychosocial risk factors related to the work of graduate students in health. Method: An exploratory qualitative study, with master’s and doctoral students working in the health area, linked to five graduate programs of a Brazilian public higher education institution. Data collection took place between October and December 2023, using a sociodemographic, academic and professional questionnaire, and focus groups guided by a script. Deductive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Results: Sixty-two graduate students who worked participated in the study. The following psychosocial risk factors were identified in the work context: organizational culture and function; decision-making and control; organizational changes; worker role in organization; career development; interface between work and family; interpersonal relationships; harassment and violence. In work content, factors were setting and work equipment, task planning, work workload and pace, and schedule. Conclusion: Training centers and work organizations should pay attention to the psychosocial risk factors to which their graduate students who work are exposed so that strategies for their management can be incorporated.