Work ability of workers in different age groups in a public health institution in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the associations between demographics, work, lifestyle, housework, and the work ability of workers.


METHODS
Employees between the ages of 20 and 69 (N = 651), employed at a Brazilian public institution, responded to a questionnaire on demographics, work, lifestyle characteristics, and work ability.


RESULTS
Work ability decreased significantly with age among the women. The younger group had higher scores on the work ability index than the older age groups, except for mental resources. The logistic regression analysis showed that higher age, lower education, and long work history at the institution were significantly associated with reduced work ability.


CONCLUSIONS
The progressive aging, the low level of education, and the long duration work in the studied institution were related to a reduction in work ability, which increases the risk of work disability or early retirement.
Monteiro
Maria Silvia
MS
Nursing Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil. silmont@power.ufscar.br
Ilmarinen
Juhani
J
Corrâa Filho
Heleno Rodrigues
HR
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004651:Employment; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D017150:Public Sector; D012737:Sex Factors; D014937:Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation