Occupational risk perception and self-care in veterinary doctors

Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand the perceptions of occupational hazards and self-care that veterinarians from a public university have. Clinical physicians in large and small species, teachers dedicated to clinical laboratory and pathology, as well as surgeons participated. The research was framed in the qualitative research methodology, with a historical hermeneutic and phenomenological approach. How information collection techniques were used: documentary review, interview and focus group. The results show that professionals perceive self-care as a set of practices to maintain physical and mental well-being, which includes all biosafety measures to reduce risks; Likewise, they consider self-care as something integral, which implies taking care of themselves in the workplace, at home and in their environment. They affirm that there are a series of protocols or biosecurity measures that they apply to take care of themselves, but they also state that they do not know these protocols because they have not been socialized. It was evidenced that veterinarians partially comply with biosafety measures, including the use of personal protection elements and recognize ergonomic and psychosocial risk as the most relevant in the work exercise. It is concluded that the participants try to assume self-care measures, but in the event of accidents, incidents and/or occupational illness, they do not activate the corresponding protocols for addressing occupational risks.