Association between work ability and fatigue in Brazilian nursing workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Nursing Workforce Studies
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Impaired work ability is a significant issue, linked to work-related illnesses, premature retirement, and increased pension expenditures.
• Understanding factors affecting work ability is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce, particularly in demanding professions like nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between work ability and fatigue among nursing professionals.
• To identify specific factors contributing to reduced work ability within the nursing sector.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 100 nursing workers from a public teaching hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
• Data collection utilized socio-demographic questionnaires, the Work Ability Index (WAI), and the Chalder Fatigue Scale.
• Statistical analysis included descriptive and analytical methods, association tests, and multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• The study population comprised predominantly women (88%) with high education, averaging 39.4 years of age and 15 years of experience.
• While the average Work Ability Index (WAI) score was good (39.4), 35% of participants reported moderate to poor work ability.
• Fatigue was prevalent in 52% of participants, and WAI scores significantly decreased with increased fatigue (p < 0.001), longer work tenure (p = 0.001), and in nursing technicians compared to nurses (p = 0.040).

Conclusions:

• Fatigue, extended work in the same role, and being a nursing technician are significantly associated with diminished work ability.
• These findings highlight the necessity for targeted investments in occupational health and improved quality of work life for nursing staff.