The effect of the neurotoxic symptoms and the demographic factors on the work ability index among operating room nurses

Work ability depends on individual and occupational factors. Improving the work ability increases efficiency and job satisfaction. The present study aims to evaluate the work ability and determine the relationship between neurotoxic symptoms and individual factors with the work ability of operating room nurses.

 The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 121 operating room nurses at a teaching hospital of Tehran in1400. Data were collected using the Demographic questionnaire, Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire and Euroquest questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS.

Based on the results, the mean WAI was 31.52 ±4.8 among nurses. 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). 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.

 The results of the present study showed that the work ability of operating room nurses was moderate. Therefore, in order to improve the work ability, intervention programs should be performed with the aim of reducing factors that can cause neurotoxic symptoms among operating room nurses.