Factors associated to excellent work ability of aged public servants from a university in southern Brazil

Abstract Objective: to investigate the association between work ability index and socio-demographic, occupational, lifestyle and health factors in aged people. Methods: cross-sectional study, with aged public servants from a higher education institution. Sociodemographic information and data on social behavior, health, and work were collected. Uni and multivariate analysis according to the logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with excellent work ability. Results: the sample showed a prevalence of men (57.8%), between 60 and 64 years (75.6%), with higher education (57.8%). Most claimed being sedentary (89.1%) and having mental work demands (62.8%). More than half of the sample was of overweight aged people (53%) who reported falls (21.3%) and regular use of multiple medications (25.6%). The variables associated with less chance of excellent work ability were female (OR=0.39; CI95%=0.18-0.83); non-white color (OR=0.37; CI95%=0.16-0.84); physical demand for the job (OR=0.40; CI95%=0.17-0.97); hospitalization (OR=0.14; CI95%=0.03-0.57); sleep difficulties (OR=0.12; CI95%=0.04-0.43); self-perception of poor health (OR=0.22; CI95%=0.09-0.54); complaints of musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 7 days (OR=0.29, CI95%=0.10-0.87); and symptoms that affect work (OR=0.25; CI95%=0.08-0.82). Conclusion: sociodemographic and occupational factors, as well as health conditions jeopardize aged people’s excellent work ability.