Work-Related Burdens and Requirements for Health Promotion Programs for Nursing Staff in Different Care Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Nursing staff in all settings have multiple work-related problems due to patient handling and occupational stressors, which result in high stress levels and low back pain. In this context the importance of health promotion becomes apparent. The aim of this study is to analyse whether nursing staff (in elderly care, hospitals, home care, or trainees) show different levels of work-related burdens and whether they require individualized components in health promotion programs. N = 242 German nurses were included in a quantitative survey (Health survey, Screening Scale (SSCS) of Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress, Slesina). The differences were tested using Chi2-Tests, Kruskal–Wallis Test and one-way ANOVA. Nurses differed in stress loads and were chronically stressed (F(3236) = 5.775, p = 0.001). Nurses in home care showed the highest SSCS-values with time pressure as the most important straining factor. The physical strains also placed a particular burden on nurses in home care, whereas they still reported higher physical well-being in contrast to nurses in elderly care (Chi2 = 24.734, p < 0.001). Nurses in elderly care and home care preferred strength training whereas nurses in hospitals and trainees favoured endurance training. Targeted programs are desirable for the reduction of work-related burdens. While nurses in elderly care and home care need a combination of ergonomic and strength training, all nurses require additional stress management. Planning should take into account barriers like perceived additional time consumption. Therefore, health promotion programs for all settings should be implemented during working time at the work setting and should consider the working schedule.

Occupational Precariousness of Nursing Staff in Catalonia’s Public and Private Nursing Homes

“…Furthermore, nursing staff in nursing homes are at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal problems [13]. Previous literature has identified specific stressors like overwork, understaffing, and low income [14].…”

Physical activity and health promotion for nursing staff in elderly care: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Based on the current evidence, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the efficacy of interventions for low back pain, also due to a lack of high quality randomised controlled trials. 21 In order to design and implement effective interventions, it is necessary to engage employees in the planning and implementation of health promotion programmes. Thereby, the differentiated documentation of workrelated risks, needs, wishes and barriers is relevant, as this is considered as a key factor for the successful implementation of health promotion programmes.…”

“…23 First, studies could also show effects in the area of nursing settings, however, according to a systematic review, there is a lack of high-quality randomised controlled trials. 21 Skargren and Öberg 15 demonstrated in a prospective cross-over study that moderate exercises, including stretching exercises and strength exercises with intervals of cardiovascular capacity exercises, reduce musculoskeletal symptoms and increase the cardiovascular capacity and muscular strength among nursing staff. On the other hand, Horneij et al 16 have established in a prospective randomised study that an individually designed physical training programme, combined with a workplace stress management training among nursing staff in home care had no effect on neck, shoulder and low back pain.…”

“…Based on the current evidence, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the efficacy of interventions for low back pain, also due to a lack of high quality randomised controlled trials. 21 …”

Analysis of Selected Body Composition Parameters and Ergonomic Safety among Professionally Active Nurses in Poland: A Preliminary Prospective Monocentric and Observational Study

“…Bilski and Sykutera [27] noted that the majority (73.23%) of Polish nurses suffered from musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lumbar (51.64%) and the cervical (14.08%) region of the spine. These consequences mentioned above are well known as harmful to nurses and are considered as nursing-specific workplace stressors affecting their everyday practice as well as diminishing the quality of nursing care delivered to patients [28,29]. Poor adherence to work-related ergonomic principles during nursing activities is also an increasingly common problem [30], which is also commonly neglected by nurses [31].…”