Introduction: Work fatigue (WF) is a multidimensional phenomenon resulting from prolonged work activity. Globally, its prevalence ranges between 10% and 33%, with reaching costs approximately 3.5% of GDP in health expenditures and productivity losses. In the health sector, WF represents a critical issue: in Chile, more than 40% of clinical workers report high levels of fatigue, a condition linked to higher absenteeism rates. In the public system, absenteeism generates a structural impact exceeding USD 1.8 billion annually. Research has mainly focused on clinical staff, overlooking administrative employees of the Health Service Directorates (HSD). However, in 2023, in one HSD, an average of 49.21 days of absenteeism per person was recorded, and 65% reported high mental workload, suggesting that WF could be a determining factor of absenteeism.
Purpose: To analyze the relationship between WF and absenteeism in an HSD and its association with work-related factors such as salary, employment tenure, job type, and frequency of overtime.
Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative design will be employed with a sample of N>400 HSD employees. WF will be measured using the Three-Dimensional Work Fatigue Inventory, and additional questions on work-related factors will be included. The absenteeism index will be provided by the institution.
Results: It is expected to demonstrate an association between WF and absenteeism, as well as to verify the role of work-related factors in the variation of this phenomenon.
Conclusions: The study seeks to fill a knowledge gap by providing empirical evidence to design preventive interventions aimed at reducing WF and, consequently, absenteeism, thereby promoting staff well-being and strengthening the efficiency of Chile's public health system.