Research Article
A cohort study of psychosocial work stressors on work ability among Brazilian hospital workers
Maria Carmen Martinez PhD,
Maria do Rosário Dias de Oliveira Latorre PhD,
Frida Marina Fischer PhD,
Corresponding Author
Maria Carmen Martinez PhD
Samaritano Hospital of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Correspondence to: Maria Carmen Martinez, PhD, Environmental Health Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo 01246-904, SP, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorMaria do Rosário Dias de Oliveira Latorre PhD
Epidemiology Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Search for more papers by this authorFrida Marina Fischer PhD
Environmental Health Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Search for more papers by this authorMaria Carmen Martinez PhD,
Maria do Rosário Dias de Oliveira Latorre PhD,
Frida Marina Fischer PhD,
Corresponding Author
Maria Carmen Martinez PhD
Samaritano Hospital of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Correspondence to: Maria Carmen Martinez, PhD, Environmental Health Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo 01246-904, SP, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorMaria do Rosário Dias de Oliveira Latorre PhD
Epidemiology Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Search for more papers by this authorFrida Marina Fischer PhD
Environmental Health Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Search for more papers by this authorInstitutions: The Samaritano Hospital of São Paulo is the studied institution. This study is part of the Postdoctoral program's lead author, conducted in School of Public Health, University of São Paulo.
Conflicts of Interest: The Samaritano Hospital of São Paulo is the studied institution, where the first author works. The institution gave support to conduct the study, through the use of equipment and materials (computers, printing, meeting rooms) and provide personnel to collect and record data. The institution also provided support for travel to conferences on the subject of study.
Abstract
Background
Hospital work is characterized by stressors that can influence work ability. The present study aims to assess the association between psychosocial work stressors and changes in work ability in a group of Brazilian hospital employees.
Methods
From 1,022 workers included in a 3-year cohort started in 2009, 423 (41.4%) returned the applied questionnaires in 2012. Changes in work ability were considered as the dependent variable and the investigated psychosocial work stressors as independent variables. Logistic regression models adjusted for potential con-founders (demographic, occupational features, social support, overcommitment, and situations liable to cause pain/injury).
Results
High levels of exposure to psychosocial work stressors were significantly associated with decreased work ability: job strain (OR = 2.81), effort-reward imbalance (OR = 3.21).
Conclusion
Strategies to reduce psychosocial work stressors should be considered to maintain hospital employees’ work ability. Such strategies have implications for institutional and social policies and might be included in quality management programs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:795–806, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supporting Information
Additional supporting information may be found in the online version of this article at the publisher's web-site.
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