Objective

To assess factors associated with work ability (WA) in primary health care nursing staff in the State of Bahia, Brazil.

Methods

Exploratory, cross-sectional study. The Work Ability Index was used to verify work ability, while the magnitude of the associations was estimated using logistic regressions.

Results

The prevalence of inadequate work ability was 17.9%, which was associated with effective working relationships, work done in one shift, having developed an occupational disease, being dissatisfied with the work ability and experiencing high demands at work.

Conclusion

Inadequate work ability is a public health problem in the context of occupational health; thus, promotion and prevention measures should be adopted in working environments, in addition to implementing an occupational health programs. This study confirmed the multidimensional complexity of work ability and the technical and scientific relevance of future studies for the field of occupational health.