Occupational fatigue and its determinants among endoscopy nurses in China: a cross-sectional study with structural equation modeling.

BACKGROUND

Occupational fatigue among nurses has become a critical global public health concern. Endoscopy nurses, in particular, face unique occupational demands that significantly impact their physical and psychological well-being, as well as the quality of patient care. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of occupational fatigue among endoscopy nurses in China and examine its associated factors. Specifically, the mediating role of coping styles in the relationship between work-family conflict and occupational fatigue was analyzed, and the influence of social support was explored.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted involving 332 endoscopy nurses from 26 tertiary hospitals across 14 provincial regions in China. Standardized instruments were used to measure occupational fatigue, work-family conflict, coping styles, and perceived social support. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied.

RESULTS

Endoscopy nurses reported a high level of occupational fatigue (22.075 ± 2.588). Age, gender, marital status, daily working hours, and weekly working days were significantly associated with fatigue levels (p < 0.05). Work-family conflict was positively correlated with occupational fatigue, whereas social support and positive coping were negatively correlated. Negative coping was associated with increased fatigue. SEM revealed that work-family conflict exerted a direct positive effect on occupational fatigue (β = 0.637), and both positive (β = -0.360) and negative (β = 0.077) coping styles partially mediated this relationship. The model showed an acceptable fit (CFI = 0.853, TLI = 0.837, RMSEA = 0.079).

CONCLUSION

Occupational fatigue is prevalent among endoscopy nurses in China and is influenced by work-family conflict, coping styles, and social support. Interventions targeting scheduling optimization, the enhancement of social support, and the promotion of adaptive coping strategies are essential to mitigate fatigue and improve workforce well-being.