Predictors of quality of life in professors at public higher education institutions from the RESPIRA cohort: Brazilian prospective longitudinal study.

Professors in higher education institutions (HEI) are exposed to risk factors for quality of life (QoL). This prospective cohort study aimed to identify the predictors of QoL in a cohort of professors who work 40 h per week in Brazilian public HEI. Nine hundred fifty-four professors composed the sample. They were invited to participate in the electronic survey through advertisements in the media, social networks and emails. Data collection took place from May-December 2022 (baseline), November 2022-August 2023 (6-month follow-up), and May-December 2023 (12-month follow-up). Multiple linear regression identified predictors of QoL among sociodemographic, occupational and health characteristics, daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), predisposition to obstructive sleep apnea (Stop-Bang questionnaire), psychosocial risks (COPSOQ II-Br) and physical activity (IPAQ-short form). The QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-bref. The response rate was 80% at six- and 12-month follow-up. Sociodemographic, occupational and psychosocial factors; health conditions and lifestyle habits were significantly associated with QoL after one year. The number of medical diagnoses was negatively associated with QoL scores in the physical and psychological domains. Family income was positively associated with QoL in the environment domain, and the quantitative work demands was negatively associated with QoL in the social relationships domain. Strategies are needed to improve social relationships, psychological, physical and environmental aspects, such as sleep hygiene techniques, workplace physical activity, health education, occupational stress management programs, and mental healthcare for professors, protecting them from psychosocial risk and decreased QoL.