Work ability index among healthcare personnel in a university hospital in Tehran, Iran

BACKGOUND: Work ability is an important issue from a social point of view, as it is essential for workers health and welfare. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine work ability among healthcare personnel and to investigate its relationship with demographic and lifestyle-related factors. METHODS: Data were collected using the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire among 517 personnel of a hospital in Tehran, Iran. RSULTS: Findings showed a mean WAI of 40.3 (±5.2) for the study population. Work ability was significantly lower in the older personnel and higher for men. A significant correlation was observed between BMI and exercise activity and WAI score. Moreover, employees with experience of less than five years had significant higher work ability than those with 16–20 years of service. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the young study population, it seems the mean WAI is not as desirable. The use of lifestyle promoting programs, besides workplace interventions, can be an effective strategy to increase work ability among healthcare workers.