Quality of work life and health-related quality of life in women working in the informal economy in the commune 9 of Cali, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Quality of work life (QWL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) determine health, social participation and productivity indices of women working in the informal economy. Objectives: To establish the relationship between QWL and HRQOL in women workers in informal economies from the commune 9 of Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: Analytical and correlational cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 in 48 in women working in the informal economy who were administered the Quality of Life at Work (CVT-GOHISALO)” and the Health-Related Quality of Life-HRQOL (SF-36) questionnaires. The correlation between the dimensions of both instruments was established using the Spearman’s correlation coefficient (weak: rho=0.1-0.3; moderate: rho=0.31-0.6; strong: rho=0.61-0.9, and perfect: rho=0.9-1.0), considering a significance level of p<0.05. Results: There is dissatisfaction in 5 dimensions of the CVT-GOHISALO questionnaire, with the highest levels of dissatisfaction found in personal development (97.91%) and well-being achieved through work (95.83%). In the SF-36 questionnaire, the mean score was low in both the physical and mental summary components (45.89.3 and 44.712.9, respectively). A moderate positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between the overall score of the CVT-GOHISALO scale and the physical summary component of the SF-36 questionnaire (rho=0.419; p=0.004) and the four dimensions of this component (p<0.05). Conclusion: The lower the QWL, the lower the HRQOL. Therefore, it is necessary to implement comprehensive public health programs in Cali considering work-related and social aspects that impact the personal development and well-being of the people working in the informal economy.