BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS IN UNIVERSITY WORK: ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL MANIFESTATIONS IN EMPLOYEES OF A FEDERAL UNIVERSITY IN MINAS GERAIS

Abstract

Occupational stress constitutes a significant biopsychosocial risk, with emotional, physiological, and behavioral repercussions that can compromise workers' health. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of occupational stress and analyze its association with physiological and behavioral manifestations among employees of a federal public university in southern Minas Gerais. This is an analytical cross-sectional study, conducted in 2025, with 271 teaching and technical-administrative staff members. Occupational stress was assessed using the Occupational Stress Questionnaire – General Version (QSO-VG), also investigating work-related stress crises, palpitations, compulsive eating, and the use of alcoholic beverages as a coping strategy. Descriptive and association analyses were performed using prevalence ratio (PR), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and chi-square test. Moderate occupational stress predominated (75.3%), and 79.0% of participants presented moderate or high levels. Work-related stress crises were associated with a higher prevalence of stress (PR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.40–2.31; p < 0.0001), as well as palpitations (PR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.10–1.40; p = 0.0006) and binge eating (PR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.29; p = 0.0394). There was no significant association with alcohol use (PR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.92–1.20; p = 0.4681). The findings highlight a high prevalence of occupational stress and reinforce the need for ongoing actions in Occupational Health Surveillance, mental health promotion, and prevention of psychosocial risks in the university environment.