Work Ability and Associated Factors Among Nurses in a Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Occupational Health
• Nursing Workforce Studies

Background:

• Nurses' work ability (WA) is crucial for healthcare sustainability, especially with workforce shortages and an aging population.
• Assessing WA prevalence and its predictors is vital for developing effective nurse retention strategies.
• This study focuses on modifiable personal, domestic, and organizational factors impacting nurses' WA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of inadequate work ability among hospital nurses.
• To identify personal, domestic, and organizational predictors of nurses' work ability.
• To inform targeted interventions for enhancing nurse retention and workforce sustainability.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 182 nurses at an Italian university hospital (August-October 2022).
• Data collected via the Work Ability Index (WAI) during health surveillance, including socio-demographic and extra-work factors.
• Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis used to identify independent predictors of WA, controlling for BMI and lifestyle.

Main Results:

• 44.5% of nurses reported inadequate work ability; 41.8% had musculoskeletal disorders.
• Inadequate WA increased with age (OR=0.93/year) and high extra-work burdens (OR=0.97/hour).
• Satisfaction with working conditions was a significant protective factor, increasing adequate WA likelihood (OR=2.41).

Conclusions:

• Almost half of the nursing workforce demonstrates vulnerable work ability, exacerbated by age and domestic responsibilities ('double duty' effect).
• Organizational interventions focusing on work-life balance and improved work environments are essential.
• Addressing these factors can mitigate demographic impacts and enhance nursing workforce sustainability.