PROFILE EGRESSED STUDENTS OF GRADUATES FROM THE BACHELOR'S PROGRAM IN COLLECTIVE HEALTH AT THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Abstract

Introduction: The Bachelor's degrees in Public Health, in Brazil, created starting in 2007 at different public universities, have introduced hundreds of public health professionals into the labor market. At the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), the undergraduate program in Public Health celebrated its fifteenth anniversary in 2024, yet little is known about the professional trajectory of its graduates. Objective: To describe the sociodemographic, socioeconomic, professional, and academic profile of UFRGS Public Health Bachelor’s degree graduates. Method: A descriptive- exploratory study was conducted using an online, semistructured, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into four thematic  sections: sociodemographic, socioeconomic, professional, and academic information. Results: Among the 275 graduates from the program between 2009 and 2023, 100 participated in the study. Of the participants, 84% identified as cisgender women, 70% as white, and 42% were aged between 31 and 40 years. Respondents work in the health sector, although 55.2% do not work specifically as public health professionals. Among those employed, 47% are public servants, and among those working as public health professionals, 50.2% are affiliated with public institutions (e.g., health departments). Regarding academic background, 28% already had a previous higher education degree, and 78% pursued (or are pursuing) some form of postgraduate education after completing the program. The main reasons for enrolling in the program were affinity and interest in the field (69.8%). Conversely, lack of opportunities and uncertainty regarding financial returns were the main factors discouraging enrollment. Conclusion: The academic and professional trajectories of UFRGS Public Health graduates highlight both the challenges and potential of this training. Although many graduates are employed in the health sector, they do not always hold positions directly associated with public health practice, underscoring the need for greater recognition and appreciation of the profession in the labor market.