Quality of Life at work among professors in public colleges in Concepción, Chile

Abstract

Objective: To assess the Quality of Life at Work (QLW) and associated factors among professors of public colleges in Concepción, Chile.

Method: This is a quantitative, transversal, and descriptive study using a sample of 92 professors. The CVT-GOHISALO instrument was administered to assess QLW (Cronbach Alpha = 0.952) in addition to a bio-social-demographic questionnaire specifically designed by the first author. Data were analyzed with SPSS calculating Rho-Spearman, Rho-Pearson, ANOVA, and non-parametric tests. The corresponding authorizations from involved ethics committees and the Direction of Management of Municipal Education of Concepcion were obtained as well as the inform consent from all the participants.

Results: The global average QLW score was 215.8 (SD=43.3), indicating a medium level. The related average scores by dimension were as follows: Institutional Support for Work (ISW)=30 (SD=11.7); Work Security (WS)=30 (SD=11.7); Integration to the Work Position (IWP)=33.4 (SD=6.1); Work Satisfaction (WS)=34.9 (DS=6.8); Wellbeing Achieved from Work (WAW)=36.6 (DS=5.7); Personal Development (PD)=23.3 (SD=6.4); and Free Time Management (FTM)=12.7 (SD=4.2). The QLW classification by dimension is as follows: ISW=high; WS, IWP, WS, and PD=medium; WAW, and FTM=low. ANOVA for pre-existing mental health issues and global QLV, dimensions ISW, WS, IWP, WS, WAW, PD, FTM had p=0.000; p=0.000; p=0.017; p=0.005; p=0.000; p=0.001 and p=0.046 respectively.

Conclusions: Teachers are satisfied in a medium level regarding their QLW. An association between pre-existing mental health issues and a low perception of QLW was found. It is fundamental that nursing organizations promote adequate working conditions for professors and students in order to foster their satisfaction at work and thus the quality of the education they impart.

Keywords: Quality of Life; school teachers; /education; work; Chile.