WORK ABILITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN HOSPITAL STAFF

Gergana Sandeva; Kasimira Koleva

doi:10.12955/cbup.v4.844

Gergana Sandeva Trakia University,
Kasimira Koleva Occupational Health Service "Energoremont-Galabovo"

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12955/cbup.v4.844

Keywords: work ability, psychological well-being, nurse, orderly, physical therapist

Abstract

Healthcare is an economic sector characterized by unfavorable working conditions, such as psychosocial stress, shift work, and manual handling of loads. It is important to opportunely assess the work ability and psychological well-being of hospital staff to evaluate workers’ functional capacity and plan appropriate preventive measures.

Objectives: To assess the work ability and psychological well-being in hospital staff and to determine factors that might influence them.

Methods: Work Ability Index Questionnaire, Psychological Well-being Questionnaire, and statistical analyses.

Results: The mean Work Ability Index (WAI) score was 40.8 ±4.8, which corresponded to suitable work ability. The lowest mean WAI score was registered for the physical therapists (38 ±3.8), and was significantly lower than the WAI score for nurses (41.6 ±4.8). The mean Psychological Well-being score for all subjects was 187.6 ±18.4. The youngest workers (200.8 ±14.7), and those with shortest length of service (196.7 ±18.4) had significantly higher mean Psychological Well-being scores than older (180.8 ±19.9) and more experienced workers (180.3 ±18.3). A positive correlation was found between WAI and Psychological Well-being scores (r = 0.37, p = 0.003).

Conclusion: Hospital managers should consider implementing strategies focused on the work ability of hospital staff, as well as on their psychological well-being, to keep workers fit and healthy for longer.

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