PERCEPÇÕES DE PROFESSORES SOBRE TRABALHO DOCENTE E REPERCUSSÕES SOBRE SUA SAÚDE Teachers' perceptions of teaching work and repercussions on their health Percepciones de profesores sobre el trabajo docente y sus repercusiones en la salud

Objective: To analyze teachers’ perceptions of the teaching work and the repercussions on their health. Methods: Qualitative study conducted with twelve teachers from public schools of a municipality of Bahia. Data were collected between October 2011 and January 2012 using focus group. Data were analyzed and interpreted using the Content Analysis Technique resulting into three thematic categories: Needs for changes in the work environment; Factors influencing the teacher’s health; Consequence of the teaching work on their health. Results: It was verified that teachers need assistance for their health and familiar arch with public policies aimed at disease prevention. They reflect that the teaching work is demanding and requires discipline in the classroom but is undervalued, which contributes to the development of musculoskeletal and emotional disorders. Multiple job factors and lifestyle have consequences on teachers’ health, changing their quality of life. Conclusion: This study allowed to assess the teaching scenario, characterized by a high demand of activities, physical and mental overload and professional undervaluation. The development of intervention strategies and the evaluation of its applicability are needed to improve teachers’ the quality of life. Descriptors: Faculty; Occupational Health; Perception; Public health.