PRESENTEEISM AMONG NURSING STAFF OF INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Abstract

Introduction: Presenteeism is an emerging occupational health problem that affects nurses; however, it receives little attention despite its culmination in poor health and sickness absenteeism. Nurses have high rates of mental and physical health conditions that may make them more at risk for presenteeism. Aim of Work: To measure the prevalence of presenteeism among nurses at intensive care units and determine its possible associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 nurses at intensive care units of the main Mansoura University hospital and 160 nurses not working in ICUs from the same hospital. A questionnaire was used to study socio-demographic characteristics, occupational profile of nurses, and history of physical complaints in the past 12 months. Nurses’ presenteeism and performance was assessed using Stanford presenteeism scale-6 (SPS-6). Results and Recommendations: All nurses in both study groups reported having presenteeism in the past twelve months. ICUs nurses had a significantly lower mean SPS-6 total presenteeism and “avoid distraction” dimension scores and significantly higher mean “completing work” dimension scores than the comparison group. However, higher scores (>18) of SPS-6 total score were significantly less reported among ICUs nurses (75%) compared to the comparison group (85%). The independent predictors of higher presenteeism were being female, graduated from the Technical Institute of Nursing, having musculoskeletal complaints, with high job demands, high decision latitude, and having an additional job. Conclusion: High presenteeism represents a health problem among nursing staff. It can be ameliorated through health education, provision of rest breaks during work, and regulation of work for facilitating sick leaves when needed.