Work and Health Conditions among Nursing Workers in Brazil

Abstract Purpose: To identify the working conditions, which are determining factors for the consolidation of the workforce and the productive aging of nursing professionals, and factors related to the health of nursing workers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 380 workers from the four main health institutions in the city where the study was conducted. The survey data collection coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of vaccines. Results: The majority were women, and the average age was 41.3 years. The reported adverse working conditions were inadequate lighting, excess weight to handle and working on weekends or holidays. Health problems in the last 15 days, stress, having another job and fearing damage due to medical leave increased the probability of having exhaustion after the workday. Being a male, being a male nurse, reporting having equal or worse health compared to people of the same age, presenting health problems in the last 15 days and wanting to leave the current job. Conclusion: Work and health conditions can contribute positively or negatively to improving work ability and functional aging.