Effect of the Neurotoxic Symptoms and the Demographic Factors on the Work Ability Index of Operating Room Nurses

Abstract

Background and Objective: One’s work ability depends on individual and occupational factors. Improving the work ability increases the person’s efficiency and job satisfaction. The present study aimed to evaluate the work ability and determine the relationship between neurotoxic symptoms and individual factors with the work ability of operating room nurses. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 121 operating room nurses at a teaching hospital in Tehran in 2021. Data were collected using the demographic characteristics form, work ability index (WAI) questionnaire, and Euroquest questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software (version 23). Results: Based on the results, the mean±SD WAI was obtained at 31.52±4.8 for the nurses. It was found that work ability had a statistically significant negative correlation with neurotoxic symptoms (r=-0.75; P<0.01), age (r=-0.67; P<0.01), and work experience (r =-0.71; P<0.01). Moreover, the results of regression analysis indicated that neurotoxic symptoms (β=-0.56, P=0.000), work experience (β=-0.35, P=0.04), and age (β=-0. 21, P=0.05) were the main predictors of work ability. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the work ability of operating room nurses was moderate. Therefore, to improve the work ability, intervention programs should be performed with the aim to reduce factors that cause neurotoxic symptoms among operating room nurses.

Keywords

• fatigue
• operating room nurses
• sleep disorders
• work ability