Sociodemographic and academic aspects of occupational therapists in Brazil’s Midwest region

Abstract

Introduction: The Midwest region of Brazil has the lowest number of undergraduate programs in occupational therapy in the country, and little is known about the sociodemographic and academic profile of these professionals. Objective: To describe the profile of occupational therapists working in the Midwest region of Brazil concerning sociodemographic and academic aspects. Method: A descriptive and exploratory study with a quantitative approach was conducted with 187 occupational therapists registered with the Regional Councils of the profession headquartered in the Midwest region. The participants completed an online questionnaire between September 2022 and March 2023. Analyses were performed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most participants were women (89%, n=167), married (44%, n=83), aged between 20 and 29 years (38%, n=71), and selfidentified as white (54%, n=98). Regarding academic aspects, 59% (n=111) graduated from public institutions, 70% (n=131) studied at institutions located in the Midwest region, and 69% (n=129) completed a lato sensu specialization in the field of health sciences. Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding of the professional landscape in the region, providing insights into the professional profile, the reach of affirmative action policies, and the planning of strategies that address the demands of Occupational Therapy, aiming at its expansion in the Midwest region of Brazil.