Key result
Female sex and longer work hours linked to higher suboptimal health scores among hospital staff.
Why the study?
Suboptimal health status is characterized by decreased vitality and functional capacity without a definitive clinical diagnosis, prompting an evaluation of its prevalence and determinants among hospital administrative staff.
Cross-Sectional (n=200)
Yes
Effect estimate: β=5.97
p-value: p=0.006
Suboptimal health status is prevalent among hospital administrative staff and is associated with female gender, longer working hours, lower education, and shift work.
Introduction: Suboptimal health status (SHS) is characterized by decreased vitality and functional capacity in the absence of a definitive clinical diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate SHS and its determinants among administrative staff in two educational hospitals in Shahrekord, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2024 and 2025 on 200 administrative and employees in Shahrekord, Iran, selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic and occupational characteristic checklist and the validated Persian version of the SHS Questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25). Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and SHS scores. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were employed to compare variables between hospitals. Finally, Pearson correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify SHS-associated factors. Results: The mean total SHSQ-25 score was 52.1±14.1, with no significant difference between the hospitals (P=0.83). Female gender was independently associated with higher total SHS scores (β=5.97, P=0.006), as were longer average daily working hours (β=0.46, P<0.001). Moreover, fatigue scores were significantly related to female gender, years of service, and daily working hours. Cardiovascular and digestive complaints were also linked to lower educational attainments and longer working hours. Ultimately, higher immune system scores were observed among older participants, those with lower education, and individuals working evening or night shifts. Conclusion: SHS was prevalent among hospital administrative staff. It was associated with gender, workload, educational level, age, and shift work, indicating a need for targeted occupational health measures to improve working conditions while reducing suboptimal health.
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Panah et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Suboptimal health status (SHS) (n=200). Female gender and longer daily working hours vs. Male gender and shorter working hours was evaluated on Total SHS score (β=5.97, p=0.006). Female gender (β=5.97, P=0.006) and longer daily working hours (β=0.46, P<0.001) were independently associated with higher suboptimal health status scores among hospital administrative staff.
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