Psychometric analysis of work organization and fatigue instruments and their relationship with occupational accidents: a structural equation modeling approach.

Abstract

Background: Work organization significantly impacts occupational incidents and fatigue in hospital settings, particularly among nurses. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of instruments measuring work organization and fatigue and to examine their relationship with occupational accidents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 with 200 nurses working in hospitals in Qom, Iran using the stratified sampling method. Data were collected using three standardized tools: the Work Organization Questionnaire, the Fatigue Checklist, and a demographic information questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data, while instrument validity and reliability were assessed through Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted (AVE). Analysis was performed using Smart PLS and SPSS V20.

Results: The analysis revealed a significant relationship between work organization and occupational accidents (t = 3.22, p < 0.05). However, the relationships between work organization and fatigue (t = 0.03) and between fatigue and occupational accidents (t = 1.49) were not statistically significant. The Work Organization Questionnaire (WOAQ) demonstrated robust validity and reliability, making it suitable for assessing occupational risks in hospital environments. In contrast, the Fatigue Questionnaire (CIS) exhibited acceptable validity but insufficient reliability (Cronbach's alpha < 0.7), highlighting the need for further refinement.

Conclusion: This study revealed that the Work Organization Questionnaire has acceptable validity and reliability, making it suitable for hospital settings, while the Fatigue Questionnaire requires further revision. It is recommended that hospital administrators optimize work schedules and provide fatigue management training, and policymakers utilize validated tools to reduce occupational risks and enhance workplace safety.