Morbidity among nursing personnel and its association with working conditions and work organization

Work. 2012:41 Suppl 1:3732-7. doi: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0087-3732.

Abstract

Introduction: Work organization patterns and working conditions experienced by nursing personnel in the hospital settings may be associated to increased morbidity among these health workers.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported diseases among nursing personnel at the emergency hospital in Rio Branco/State of Acre, Brazil.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 272 participants who answered a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, working conditions, lifestyles, work ability, and a fatigue perception scale. The self-reported diseases in the 12 months prior to data collection were considered the dependent variable.

Results: A total of 85.7% of the participants reported one or more diseases in the past 12 months. Most prevalent diseases were: musculoskeletal diseases (37.1%), digestive diseases (28.7%), mental disorders (28.3%), work injuries (27.9%), and respiratory diseases (26.8%). The following significant variables remained in the final model: high work demands (OR 2.69), reported fatigue (OR 3.59), night work (OR 6.55) and being a technician or nursing assistant (OR 4.23).

Conclusions: Variables related to working conditions and work organization were associated with the occurrence of reported diseases among nursing professionals. Health promotion measures at work require a comprehensive approach including the working conditions and the work organization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Digestive System Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Fatigue / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Nursing*
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Work Schedule Tolerance
  • Workload
  • Workplace / organization & administration
  • Workplace / psychology
  • Young Adult