Work-Related Burdens and Requirements for Health Promotion Programs for Nursing Staff in Different Care Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Nursing staff in all settings have multiple work-related problems due to patient handling and occupational stressors, which result in high stress levels and low back pain. In this context the importance of health promotion becomes apparent. The aim of this study is to analyse whether nursing staff (in elderly care, hospitals, home care, or trainees) show different levels of work-related burdens and whether they require individualized components in health promotion programs. N = 242 German nurses were included in a quantitative survey (Health survey, Screening Scale (SSCS) of Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress, Slesina). The differences were tested using Chi2-Tests, Kruskal–Wallis Test and one-way ANOVA. Nurses differed in stress loads and were chronically stressed (F(3236) = 5.775, p = 0.001). Nurses in home care showed the highest SSCS-values with time pressure as the most important straining factor. The physical strains also placed a particular burden on nurses in home care, whereas they still reported higher physical well-being in contrast to nurses in elderly care (Chi2 = 24.734, p < 0.001). Nurses in elderly care and home care preferred strength training whereas nurses in hospitals and trainees favoured endurance training. Targeted programs are desirable for the reduction of work-related burdens. While nurses in elderly care and home care need a combination of ergonomic and strength training, all nurses require additional stress management. Planning should take into account barriers like perceived additional time consumption. Therefore, health promotion programs for all settings should be implemented during working time at the work setting and should consider the working schedule.