Sickness Presenteeism in Shift and Non-Shift Nurses: Using the Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey

Nurses have reported higher rates of sickness presenteeism than other workers, which is particularly problematic because this problem is linked to care quality and patient safety. This secondary data analysis study aimed to identify the prevalence of sickness presenteeism and explore related factors among shift and non-shift nurses using the Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey. A total of 272 nurses in Korean hospitals were included. The survey included questions on working conditions, health status, and sickness presenteeism. A multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of sickness presenteeism. Overall, 21.8% of the participants reported experiencing sickness presenteeism; shift nurses experienced more sickness presenteeism than non-shift nurses. Sickness presenteeism was greater in shift nurses who did not have rest breaks during work and in nurses who experienced quick return. Additionally, the odds of sickness presenteeism were approximately four times greater in shift nurses who experienced sleep disturbance and about four times higher in shift nurses who experienced health problems. Among non-shift nurses, the odds of sickness presenteeism were about 15 times greater in those who worked ≥53 h per week. Nurse managers and administrators should prevent sickness presenteeism in hospital nurses to provide quality care and enhance productivity.

Association of Exposure to a Combination of Ergonomic Risk Factors with Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Korean Workers

This study examined the relationship of musculoskeletal symptoms with exposure to a combination of ergonomic risk factors at work and the possible ameliorating effect of enough time to rest during working hours or between consecutive shifts in Korean workers. Data were from the 2017 Korean Working Conditions Survey. Workers exposed to ergonomic risk factors were more likely to report musculoskeletal symptoms than those without exposure, and exposure to more ergonomic risk factors increased the probability of musculoskeletal symptoms. Workers who had the opportunity to rest when desired and those who had enough time to rest between consecutive shifts were less likely to report musculoskeletal symptoms. In conclusion, workers exposed to more ergonomic risk factors had an increased risk for musculoskeletal symptoms, and providing enough time to rest and recovery to workers reduced the risk of musculoskeletal symptoms.