Introduction

The activities which workers carry out in centers of oncology can have importants impacts on their quality of life.

Objective

To determine the associations among biodemographical and work-related variables, psychosocial risks, work-related mental load, and health-related quality of life among workers of services of oncology.

Methods

This is a correlational study with 113 workers of oncology services in 4 hospitals in Chile. The questionnaires used were: Biodemographical and work-related variables, Health-Related Quality of Life SF-36, Assessment of psychosocial risks SUSESO-ISTAS 21, and the Subjective scale of mental load from work.

Results

The variables sex and working shifts showed a significant correlation with some components of quality of life (p <0.05), medical consultation (p <0.01), medial license (p <0.01), and diagnosed health problems (p <0.05) showed low levels in quality of life. A negative correlation was found in psychosocial risks with quality of life (p <0.05), and mental load and mental health (p <0.01).

Discussion

Workers in centers of oncology have a higher health risk as a result of the conditions of their jobs.

Conclusion

There are associations among some biodemographical and work-related variables, psychosocial risks, mental load, and health-related quality of life, in terms of health among workers in services of oncology in public hospitals of Chile. Organizations should implement strategies aimed at detecting and preventing exposure to psychosocial risks and mental overload.