Burnout, Psychological and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Healthcare Assistants Working in Residential Care Homes: A Cross‐Sectional Study in North‐West Italy
Alberto Catalano, Barbara Sodano, Alberto Bentsik, Ilenia Giommarini, Alex Bianchi, Fulvio RicceriObjectives
Healthcare assistants (HAs) working in residential care homes are exposed to substantial physical and psychological demands, including heavy workloads and emotionally demanding care tasks. These working conditions may contribute to several adverse health outcomes, such as burnout, work‐related stress, and musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to investigate the association between socio‐demographic and occupational factors and multiple psychological and physical outcomes among HAs working in residential care homes in North‐West Italy.
Methods
A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 202 female HAs employed in residential care homes in the Piedmont Region. Data were collected through an online, self‐administered, anonymous questionnaire, using validated instruments, including the Job Content Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Multivariable Poisson regression models and multinomial logistic regression models were implemented.
Results
Musculoskeletal pain was highly prevalent, with 86% of participants reporting pain in at least two body sites. Higher levels of musculoskeletal pain were strongly associated with burnout outcomes, particularly emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Job insecurity was significantly associated with increased risks of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and work‐related stress. Working in facilities hosting protected residents was associated with higher prevalence of depression and anxiety. Foreign workers showed lower prevalence of depression and lower risk of depersonalization compared with Italian workers.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the complex relationship between physical strain, organizational factors, and psychological health among HAs. Interventions aimed at reducing biomechanical workload, improving job stability, and strengthening psychological support in residential care settings may contribute to prevent adverse occupational health outcomes.
Implication for Nursing Management
These findings highlight the need for nursing management to implement organizational strategies aimed at reducing physical workload and improving job stability among HAs. Interventions such as adequate staffing, ergonomic support, and structured psychological support services may help prevent burnout and musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, greater attention should be given to high‐burden care settings, where targeted support and supervision could improve both staff well‐being and quality of care.