Longitudinal associations between stressors and work ability in hospital workers

ABSTRACT

This study sought to assess associations between work stressors and work ability in a cohort (2009–2012) of 498 hospital workers. Time-dependent variables associated with the Work Ability Index (WAI) were evaluated using general linear mixed models. Analyses included effects of individual and work characteristics. Except for work demands, the work stressors (job control, social support, effort-reward imbalance, overcommitment and work-related activities that cause pain/injury) were associated with WAI (p < 0.050) at intercept and in the time interaction. Daytime work and morning shift work were associated with decreased WAI (p < 0.010). Work stressors negatively affected work ability over time independently of other variables.

KEYWORDS:

• Psychosocial work environment
• shift work
• work ability
• work organisation
• work stress
• worker’s health

Declaration of interest

The study was conducted at Samaritano Hospital of São Paulo, which provided the authors access to equipment and other materials, as well as personnel to collect and record data, and is the first author’s employer. All authors report no conflict of interest.

Notes

A previous version of this manuscript was presented at Shiftwork 2015. The present revised version (R2) is resubmitted to Chronobiology International for its special issue on Shiftwork and Working Time, 2016.