Fabio José da Silva1, Vanda Elisa Andres Felli2, Maria Carmen Martinez3, Vivian Aline Mininel4, Ana Paula Pelegrini Ratier5. 1. University Hospital, Nursing Department, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo, Brazil. 2. Nursing School, Professional Orientation Department, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo, Brazil. 3. Epidemiology Center, Hospital Samaritano, Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo, Brazil. 4. Nursing School, General and Specialized Nursing Department, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto City, Sao Paulo, Brazil. 5. University Hospital, Medical Department, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Impaired work ability is associated with work-related illnesses, early retirement and rising pension costs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between work ability and fatigue in nursing workers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted with 100 nursing workers from two inpatient units at a public teaching hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The data were collected by means of a socio-demographic profile questionnaire, Work Ability Index (WAI) and Chalder Fatigue Scale. The data were analyzed by means of descriptive and analytical statistical methods, tests of association and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The study population was mainly composed of women (88% ), exhibited a high educational level (76% ), average age 39.4 years old (SD = 9.5) and 15 years of professional experience, on average. The average score on WAI was good (39.4 points, SD = 6.0) but surprisingly, 35% of the participants exhibited moderate to poor work ability. Fatigue was found in 52% of the participants. The score on WAI decreased in association with fatigue (p < 0.001) and longer length of work in the same workplace (p = 0.001), as well as among nursing technicians compared to nurses (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue, longer length of work in the same workplace and work category nursing technician were associated with decreased work ability, which emphasizes the need for investment in health and quality of work life.
BACKGROUND: Impaired work ability is associated with work-related illnesses, early retirement and rising pension costs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between work ability and fatigue in nursing workers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted with 100 nursing workers from two inpatient units at a public teaching hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The data were collected by means of a socio-demographic profile questionnaire, Work Ability Index (WAI) and Chalder Fatigue Scale. The data were analyzed by means of descriptive and analytical statistical methods, tests of association and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The study population was mainly composed of women (88% ), exhibited a high educational level (76% ), average age 39.4 years old (SD = 9.5) and 15 years of professional experience, on average. The average score on WAI was good (39.4 points, SD = 6.0) but surprisingly, 35% of the participants exhibited moderate to poor work ability. Fatigue was found in 52% of the participants. The score on WAI decreased in association with fatigue (p < 0.001) and longer length of work in the same workplace (p = 0.001), as well as among nursing technicians compared to nurses (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS:Fatigue, longer length of work in the same workplace and work category nursing technician were associated with decreased work ability, which emphasizes the need for investment in health and quality of work life.
Entities:
Keywords:
Occupational health; nursing staff; work conditions; work organization; workload
Authors: Maria Carmen Martinez; João Silvestre Silva-Junior; Maria do Rosário Dias de Oliveira Latorre; Frida Marina Fischer Journal: Sleep Sci Date: 2022 Apr-Jun