pág. 5573
Effect of Active Breaks Program and Work Stress Reduction in Medical
Staff
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Job stress is a worldwide emotional reaction that is causing negative effects such as
physical, mental problems and affecting in the work and personal environment. Mexico occupies the
first place of stress at work representing 75%, 7 out of 10 Mexicans have work stress. Health breaks
were created, which consist of physical activities that are performed during working hours, in a time
not exceeding 15 minutes. They help reduce stress and improve work performance. Therefore, it is
important to evaluate the benefit of the health breaks and stress reduction program. The benefit of the
program on health personnel has not yet been evaluated. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the
program of active breaks and reduction of work stress on medical personnel. Material and methods: An
analytical, longitudinal, quasi-experimental, prospective and single-center study was conducted. With
the following inclusion criteria: Health personnel (HCW) attached to the UMF 22, who agreed to
participate in this project and personnel of both sexes. Nurses, resident physicians, and basic personnel
were included. The elimination criteria were those who decided to leave the project who were on
disability, vacation and leave. After signing the informed consent form, an intervention of 4 sections of
20 min was carried out once a week to the HCW, to whom a pre and post evaluation was applied using
the Work Stress Test, adapted from the Psychosomatic Problems Questionnaire. PS undergoing
psychological and/or psychiatric treatment, musculoskeletal injuries, and personnel with a change of
assignment were excluded. The sample size was calculated using the mean difference formula, which
required 50 participants. Due to the non-parametric characteristics of the selected sample, Wilcoxon's
test was used for the analysis of before and after the intervention. A p<0.05 was considered statistically
significant. The Jamovi V 2.5.4.0 program was used for the statistical analysis. SIRELCIS Registration:
R-2022-2104-006. Results: Sixty percent of the study subjects were women, the mean age was 34 years
± 9, 58% were single, 61% had a bachelor's degree and 24% had a postgraduate degree. The category
that presented the greatest stress was residents (32%), family physician (27%), and 64% were on the
morning shift, with 57% of them having been with the practice for between 1 and 5 years. The median
of the test before was 24.5 (RIC 20.5) and after the maneuver the median was 19 (RIC 22), with a p<
0.05. Conclusion: The intervention of the health break program reduces stress in the work area for
medical personnel Regardless of grade level or category.
Key words: occupational stress, active breaks or health breaks, medical personnel
Artículo recibido 20 octubre 2024
Aceptado para publicación: 29 noviembre 2024