Work Ability of Norwegian Women and Its Relation to Health and Work Environment
Author Information
Author(s): Gamperiene Migle, Nygård Jan F, Sandanger Inger, Lau Bjørn, Bruusgaard Dag
Primary Institution: University of Oslo, Norway
Hypothesis
Does work ability decrease with age and poor self-reported physical and mental health, and does it vary with psychosocial and organizational problems in the work environment?
Conclusion
Ageing, poor self-reported physical health, and unskilled work are the strongest factors associated with reduced work ability among female employees.
Supporting Evidence
- 8.9% of women reported extremely or very reduced work ability.
- 24% reported poor physical health.
- 21.9% reported mental distress.
- Moderately reduced work ability increased with age.
- Severely reduced work ability was associated with unskilled occupations.
Takeaway
This study found that older women and those who feel unhealthy have a harder time at work, especially if they do unskilled jobs.
Methodology
The study involved structured interviews with 597 female employees to assess work ability, health, and work environment factors.
Potential Biases
The Healthy Worker Effect may have influenced the results, as unhealthy individuals are more likely to exit the workforce.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits the ability to draw conclusions about causality, and the sample only included women with paid employment.
Participant Demographics
Participants were female employees with an average age of 43 years, primarily from urban and rural areas in Norway.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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