Occupational Risks Prevention and Psychosocial Risks in Home Care Aides: A Mixed Methods Study

The progressive aging of the population in developed countries generates an increased demand in the Home Care Services, provided by home care aides (HCAs). To explore the experience of HCAs in terms of occupational risks prevention (ORP) and exposure to psychosocial risks (PSR), as well as their proposals for improvement. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted, with quantitative and qualitative data that were integrated in the final interpretation. The quantitative component was a cross-sectional observational design (N = 324 HCAs), using respondent-driven sampling in its online version. Weighted percentages of the variables related to ORP and exposure to PSR were estimated using the Respondent Driven Sampling-II estimator. The qualitative component was conducted in 2022 through three focus groups (stakeholders, immigrant women, and men) using purposive sampling. The focus groups were held online, and data saturation was reached. A content analysis was performed, and finally, the results were interpreted and integrated using a narrative approach in the discussion. The participants described non-compliance with the basic principles of ORP (lack of risk assessment, technical resources, and training, among other issues). Their precarious working conditions were characterized by high workloads, a lack of technical resources and autonomy, the impossibility of professional development, schedules that make work-life balance impossible and a work environment that forces them to work in solitude. The preventive measures are not applied to the occupational risks to which HCAs are exposed. Psychosocial working conditions reported by HCAs in Spain can be described as precarious and harmful.