Physical education teachers of the basic public education of Minas Gerais in the pandemic of Covid-19: working conditions, health and lifestyle

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the working and health conditions of physical education teachers in public basic education in the state of Minas Gerais – Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional study, carried out from August to September 2020, via digital form and had the support of the Minas Gerais State Department of Education. The instrument presented variables related to the sociodemographic profile, work and health conditions during the pandemic. The prevalences of the variables were presented. 1,016 physical education teachers participated in the study. Of these, 61.4% were female, 65.8% aged 21 to 40 years and 15.3% worked in the countryside. In relation to working conditions during the pandemic, 99% performed remote activities, 35.7% were dissatisfied with their work, 37% worked much more than they used to and 81.2% presented the interest of students/parents in classes as a difficulty. As for health conditions during the pandemic, 10.3% increased their consumption of alcoholic beverages, 26.1% did not practice physical exercise, 56.5% had increased body weight and 37.8% reported a lot of fear of COVID-19. Physical education teachers of basic education in the state of Minas Gerais were significantly affected by the pandemic, so it is important to implement support strategies.