Work-Family Conflict and Intention to Leave Among Nursing Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Occupational Health
• Psychosocial Factors

Background:

• Work-family conflict is a significant psychosocial factor within the nursing profession.
• This conflict has the potential to influence nurses' intention to leave their jobs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the association between work-family conflict and turnover intention among nursing professionals in Portugal.
• To investigate the specific roles of work-to-family conflict (WFC) and family-to-work conflict (FWC) in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study conducted with 1097 nurses in a Portuguese local health unit.
• Data collected via sociodemographic, Work-Family Conflict (WFC), Family-Work Conflict (FWC), and Turnover Intention scales.
• Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests, Spearman's correlation, and linear regression models.

Main Results:

• Both WFC and FWC showed positive correlations with turnover intention.
• WFC had a stronger association (ρ = 0.347) with turnover intention than FWC (ρ = 0.186).
• In regression analysis, only WFC remained a significant predictor of turnover intention (β = 0.383), with job satisfaction, stress, and manager support influencing the model.

Conclusions:

• Work-family conflict, particularly work-to-family interference, is significantly associated with nurses' turnover intention.
• Organizational strategies focusing on reducing work demands, promoting work-life balance, and improving psychosocial conditions are crucial.
• Addressing these factors can help mitigate turnover intentions in the nursing workforce.