Service sector and perceived social support at work in Norwegian nurses' aides

Social support at work is associated with reduced risk of illness and sickness absence. Identifying determinants of social support at work is, hence, important. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between service sector and level of social support at work in nurses' aides.

A random sample of nurses' aides, organised by the Norwegian Union of Health-and Social Workers, was mailed a questionnaire in 1999. Of 12,000 recipients, 7,478 (62.3%) completed the questionnaire. The 6,234 vocationally active, female respondents comprised the sample of this study. Perceived social support at work was assessed by scales in the standardised questionnaire, the General Nordic Questionnaire for Psychological and Social Factors at Work (QPSNordic). Each service sector was compared with all other sectors. Because of multiple comparisons, the significance level was set at 0.01, and 99% confidence intervals were used.

The following associations were found, after adjustments for age and work schedule: high levels of support from the immediate superior were reported more often by aides in the psychiatric sector [odds ratio (OR) 1.72; 99% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-2.29] and community-nurse service (OR 1.22; CI 1.01-1.48), and less often by aides in nursing homes (OR 0.67; CI 0.58-0.77). Encouraging and supportive culture in the work unit was reported more often by aides in the psychiatric sector (OR 1.55; CI 1.13-2.13), and less often by aides in nursing homes (OR 0.79; CI 0.69-0.92).

In nurses' aides, perceived level of social support at work varies with service sector. Differences in organisational structure, personnel resources, and work tasks could explain the results. It is essential that managers in nursing homes put more emphasis on creating a supportive culture in their work units. Reorganisation and training of personnel could be elements of this effort. Higher grants may also be needed.