Organizational Aspects Influencing Adherence to Worksite Exercises at Hospitals

Abstract

Nursing workers are exposed to several risk factors which contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD). Workplace exercise is among the measures for controlling WRMD. However, work organization aspects can affect the adherence to exercise programs. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify organizational aspects related to workers´ exercise adherence in different hospital sectors. Methods: 135 nursing aides from 3 hospital sectors were invited to take part in the study. Personal, occupational aspects and sick leave information were analyzed together with responses to the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). An exercise program was offered over 3 months. Data were analyzed by chi-square tests. Results: Only 1/3 of the workers took part in the exercise program. Most of them (64%/N=24) were from Intensive Care Units. There was no association between exercise adherence and organizational aspects evaluated by the JCQ. There was a difference between exercise adherence and the work sector (p≤0.0001). Conclusions: Other aspects of work organization not evaluated by the JCQ can influence exercise adherence and should be investigated in future studies. In addition, intervention aiming to improve work conditions needs be conducted in a broader context, in which Ergonomics plays a major role.

Keywords: Intervention, Intensive Care Units, Emergency Wards, General Wards, Demand-Control Model

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100487