Psychometric parameters of the Work Context Assessment Scale in emergency situations for Brazil

Abstract: The assessment of the work context in emergency situations is hindered by the lack of psychometrically valid instruments. This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Escala de Avaliação do Contexto de Trabalho (Work Context Evaluation Scale) in samples represented by professionals from the SAMU-192 (Urgency Mobile Services). To achieve this goal, exploratory factor analysis (n = 229), confirmatory factor analysis (n = 207), and internal consistency verification were performed. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-dimensional model structured in 24 variables. In turn, the confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the model, divided into three factors - Socio-professional Relationships (10 items), Work Organization (4 items), and Working Conditions (10 items) - presented the best adjustment indices [χ²(276) = 3.049.792; RMSEA = 0.00; SRMR = 0.06; CFI = 1.00; TLI = 0.99]. The instrument presented a reproducible factorial structure, which enables its use in future investigations, particularly those of epidemiological nature.