Association between work ability and fatigue in Brazilian nursing workers

Article type: Research Article

Authors: da Silva, Fabio José^{a; *} | Felli, Vanda Elisa Andres^b | Martinez, Maria Carmen^c | Mininel, Vivian Aline^d | Ratier, Ana Paula Pelegrini^e

Affiliations: [a] University Hospital, Nursing Department, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo, Brazil | [b] Nursing School, Professional Orientation Department, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo, Brazil | [c] Epidemiology Center, Hospital Samaritano, Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo, Brazil | [d] Nursing School, General and Specialized Nursing Department, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto City, Sao Paulo, Brazil | [e] University Hospital, Medical Department, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Fabio José da Silva, University Hospital, Nursing Department, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 2565, CEP 05508000, Cidade Universitária, Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Tel.: +55 11 996575101; E-mail: fabiojoseph@usp.br.

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.

Keywords: Occupational health, nursing staff, work organization, work conditions, workload

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152241

Journal: Work, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 225-232, 2016