Perceived work ability and work-family conflict in healthcare workers: An observational study in a teaching hospital in Italy

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the variables associated with work ability, work‐family conflict and the relationship between these variables. Methods An observational prospective study was conducted and involved 436 employees of a Teaching Hospital in Rome. Data collection was performed using the following tools: the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Work‐to‐family conflict and Family‐to‐work conflict Scale (WFC—FWC Scale). Data were analyzed through univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate linear regression, using the SPSS software version 25. Results A direct relationship of the WFC score with two variables (female gender and physicians) and an inverse relationship with other two variables (age and administrative staff) were found. There is a direct relationship between the FWC score and the variable “having sons”. The WFC and FWC scores showed a direct relationship between them. The Work Ability presented an almost significant association only with the profession variable, in which administrative staff, followed by physicians, presented a higher WAI score with respect to other professional categories, such as nurses. Conclusions Wellbeing intervention for health workers should be directed mainly to women, older workers and those with sons. In addition, more attention should be given to nurses, who showed lower work ability scores.

Work Ability and Psychosocial Factors in Healthcare Settings During COVID-19 Pandemic – Specific Focus on Ageing Workers

“…This can be because of a high percentage of sufficient WAI in our sample, a low decline of WAI with age, but a higher mean WAI among participants under 24 years old in Georgia [45 ± 2.83], and among 55 + in Estonia [40.11 ± 4.91] showing a possible healthy worker effect. There are studies that also do not present any interconnection between age and WAI (Cotrim et al, 2014;La Torre et al, 2021); however, some works show a decreased WAI with age (Cotrim et al, 2011, Mateo-Rodríguez et al, 2021b. As presented in the study by La Torre et al (2021), the WAI is the "thermometer" to evaluate the phenomenon of aging and predict the incidence of incapability to work.…”

“…There are studies that also do not present any interconnection between age and WAI (Cotrim et al, 2014;La Torre et al, 2021); however, some works show a decreased WAI with age (Cotrim et al, 2011, Mateo-Rodríguez et al, 2021b. As presented in the study by La Torre et al (2021), the WAI is the "thermometer" to evaluate the phenomenon of aging and predict the incidence of incapability to work. Improvements in the working environment and ergonomic equipment are factors positively affecting WAI (Varianou-Mikellidou et al, 2020).…”

Knowledge of Fertility and Perspectives About Family Planning Among Female Physicians

“…In addition to delaying childbearing, female physicians may face inadequate support when ready to grow their family. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22] This perceived lack of support may cause women to alter their careers to accommodate childbearing. In a survey of 600 female physicians, more than 70% reported that having children had influenced their career.…”

“…In addition to delaying childbearing, female physicians may face inadequate support when ready to grow their family . This perceived lack of support may cause women to alter their careers to accommodate childbearing.…”

Return To Work Programs for Disabled Workers: Dynamic Tendencies of Personal and Professional Determinants

“…A study conducted in Italy, which compared healthcare workers with administrative workers, showed that job type was a significant factor affecting WAI 143 . This finding is consistent with the results of our investigation, which identified occupational factors, including job type, as correlated with WAI levels.…”