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WORK ABILITY DETERMINING FACTORS IN HOSPITAL NURSES

WORK ABILITY DETERMINING FACTORS IN HOSPITAL NURSES

ISSN 2223-6775
Український журнал з проблем медицини праці. Том 21, № 2, 2025
https://doi.org/10.33573/ujoh2025.99

WORK ABILITY DETERMINING FACTORS IN HOSPITAL NURSES

Stoyanova R., Cekova I., Vangelova K.

National Center of Public Health and Analyses, Sofia, Bulgaria

Повна стаття (PDF), УКР

Introduction

The work of hospital nurses is intense, with a high mental and physical workload. The shortage of nurses is a global problem and contributes to the increasing demands on the workforce.

Aim of the research

The aim of the research was to study the work ability of hospital nurses in Sofia and to identify the main individual and workplace factors determining it.

Materials and methods of the research

A cross-sectional study was conducted covering 19 large hospitals (>150 beds). Questionnaires were filled in anonymously by 1,427 hospital female nurses with an average age of 50.1 ± 10.1 years. Of them, 243 worked in surgery, 320 in emergency and intensive care units (ICU), and 864 in clinical wards. The questionnaire included information on demographic and work-related characteristics. Work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index (WAI).

Results

A large share of the studied nurses demonstrated good work ability, and the prognosis for maintaining their work ability over the next two years was relatively favorable. Work ability decreased with age. WAI was positively related to good working conditions and self-perceived good health, and negatively associated with emotional and physical exhaustion as well as long working hours per week.

More than 60% of the surveyed nurses had diseases diagnosed by a physician, most frequently musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, and metabolic diseases. The main determinants of work ability were self-perceived health, work-related family problems, emotional exhaustion, and length of service.

Conclusion

The data show good work ability among the studied nurses; however, measures for its maintenance and improvement are needed. These measures should focus on the management of occupational stress and shift work, especially night work and long working hours.

Key words: work ability, nurses, WAI, health, age, shift work

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