Predictors of Changing Level of Work Ability Index Among Employees of Public and Industrial Sector

Abstract

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate work ability index with individual and work condition factors; and comparatively evaluate the predictors of WAI levels in the field of individual and workplace factors all within the public administration sector and industrial sector employees.
 METHODS: The longitudinal survey included 500 respondents (the total sample = 300, response rate was 60%, and mean age 40.78) in two cohorts: 171 (57%) employees of the public administrative and health sectors (cohort 1) and 129 (43%) workers of the manufacturing sector (cohort 2). The men comprised 152 (51%) of the study population. The work ability index (WAI) questionnaire was used to evaluate the work ability and its predictors.
 RESULTS: Decreased level of WAI predicted among all respondents: Larger number of diseases (p < 0.001) and more days of sick leave (p < 0.001). Unexpected protectors for increased level of WAI among public service employees were: Higher mental demands of work (β = 0.220, 95%CI, 0.723–1.301, p < 0.001), as among industry sector workers higher physical demands of work (β = 0.198, 95%CI, 0.824–1.234, p < 0.001), and higher mental demands of work (β = 0.137, 95% CI, 1.888–2.050, p < 0.001), too.
 CONCLUSION: The determinants of WAI are mental capacity and physical endurance, and a high level of education. The number of chronic illnesses, long sick leave, lower levels of education or reduced levels of continuing lifelong education and worse self-prognosis of work over the next 2 years all significantly affect the decrease or loss of working capacity.