Work factors as predictors of persistent fatigue. A prospective study of nurses' aides

Willy Eriksen ^1*

¹ University of Oslo, Norway

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: w.b.eriksen{at}samfunnsmed.uio.no.

Accepted 10 February 2006

Abstract

Objectives. To identify work factors that predict persistent fatigue in nurses' aides.

Methods. The sample comprised 5547 Norwegian nurses' aides, not on leave when they completed a mailed questionnaire in 1999. Of these, 4645 (83.7 %) completed a second questionnaire 15 months later. The outcome measure was the occurrence of persistent fatigue, defined as having felt 'usually fatigued' or 'always fatigued' in daytime during the previous 14 days.

Results. In respondents without persistent fatigue at baseline, medium and high work demands, heavy smoking, being single, and being bothered by long-term health problems were associated with increased risk of persistent fatigue at follow-up. Medium and high rewards for well-done work, medium levels of leadership fairness, and regular physical exercise were associated with reduced risk of persistent fatigue at follow-up. In respondents with persistent fatigue at baseline, medium and high levels of positive challenges at work, high support from immediate superior, medium feedback about quality of one's work, and changes of work or work tasks that resulted in less heavy work or lower work pace were associated with or tended to be associated with increased odds of recovery (no persistent fatigue at follow-up). Working in a nursing home and being intensely bothered by long-term health problems were associated with reduced odds of recovery.

Conclusions. High demands and lack of rewards at work may cause persistent fatigue in nurses' aides. Reduction of demands, adequate feedback, and mental stimulation in the form of support and positive challenges may facilitate recovery in those who are bothered by persistent fatigue. Leaders in the health services may be in a position to regulate factors that influence the level of fatigue in nurses' aides.

Keywords: fatigue, nurses' aides, occupational health, prospective studies

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