Factors associated with work ability and intention to leave nursing profession: a nested case-control study

This study aims to identify factors associated with impaired work ability and intention to leave the nursing profession. This is a case-control nested within a cross-sectional study. Samples were randomly selected for work ability (475 controls and 158 cases) and intention to leave profession (454 controls and 151 cases). Data on demographic, lifestyle, occupational features, work environment, work ability and intention to leave profession were collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Factors associated with work ability impairment were: risk for moderate (OR=1.28) and high (OR=2.26) job strain, effort-reward imbalance (OR=2.82), high overcommitment (OR=1.77), situations that may contribute to musculoskeletal pain/injury with moderate (OR=1.82) or high (OR=2.58) exposures, degree level (OR=2.13) or elementary/high school level (OR=1.67), and low physical activity (OR=1.74). Age of 31–40 years (OR=0.26) and ≥41 years (OR=0.27) were protective factors. Factors associated with intention to leave profession were: high risk for job strain (OR=1.81), effort-reward imbalance (OR=3.25), situations that may contribute to musculoskeletal pain/injury with high exposure (OR=1.54), and insomnia symptoms (OR=2.72). Age >40 years was a protective factor (OR=0.50). Individual characteristics and occupational conditions were associated with work ability impairment and intention to leave profession. Measures to improve working conditions and individual resources were recommended.