IMPACT OF OBESITY ON THE WORKING CONDITIONS OF TEACHERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BRAZILIAN STATE SCHOOL NETWORK

Background and objectives: The prevalence of obesity has increased in state school teachers. Studies show that the healthier the workers are in the work environment, the greater and more consistent the company's prospects for success. This study verified the prevalence of obesity and its association with working conditions of teachers and employees of state schools in Sao Paulo. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study using data of civil servants of the state schools in the city of Sao Paulo, composed by adults and elderly people of both sexes (n = 23,273). The study variables were: obesity measured by body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) considering obese when BMI = 30 kg/m2; and working conditions (factors at work that affect feeding habits, working hours and annual health leave in the last 12 months) measured by specific questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used to verify the association between variables using the Stata / SE 13.0 program. Results: Of the 23,273 individuals analyzed, 83.5% are female, 63.2% of the 19- to 49-year-old age group. The prevalence of obesity was 29.0%, higher in women (83.5%) and in the age group of 50 years and over (57.0%). It was found that working conditions that affect feeding habits (RP = 1.55), a workload of 30 hours and more (RP = 1.98), and annual health leave (RP = 1.26) were associated obesity in teachers and employees of the state school network. Conclusions: The obesity was associated with working conditions in teachers and employees of the state school network. These results show the importance of developing political policies, which are able of stabilizing and finally, reverse the epidemiological situation presented.