Measuring psychosocial factors and predicting work ability among cemetery workers

Abstract

The work of cemetery workers presents high physical demands and significant psychosocial stressors, but there are no studies about the influence of these risk factors on their work ability. The present study aims to analyse how socio-demographic and psychosocial factors are related to work ability among cemetery workers. A cross-sectional survey was applied at seven cemeteries of Lisbon, between November and December of 2015. The response rate was 88.9% (n = 168). The survey involved socio-demographic data, the Work Ability Index, and COPSOQII. Multiple linear regression analysis, using the backward elimination stepwise method, was done to identify the significant predictors of work ability. Results indicated a high prevalence of unsatisfactory WAI scores (39.5%), which, together with a mean age of 51 years showed these participants may have a high probability of being declared unfit for their current jobs. The main predictors of work ability were: general health, burnout, temporary work impairment, job satisfaction, age, and quality of leadership. The study highlights the relationship between age, health perception, work impairment, psychosocial variables, and work ability. This knowledge is crucial for the organization of occupational health programmes fitting the needs of cemetery workers and aiming at retaining these workers until the legal retirement age.