Introduction:

Non-programmed absenteeism is related to deficient working conditions, work psychosocial risks, lack of satisfaction, and other biological, physical, and psychological risks. The reduction of costs in the institutions and the reduction of staff both contribute to having unfavoral working conditions.

Objective:

To identify psychosocial risk factors which influence the non-programmed work absenteeism among nursing personnel in a second level of attention center in the city of Chihuahua, Mexico.

Methods:

This is a descriptive study with a sample of 221 nurses. An instrument named Instrument to Identify Psychosocial Risk Factors and Assess the Organizational Environment in the Work Centers including a section on social, demographic, and labor-related characteristics was used. A statistical association was assessed using multivarieted analysis.

Results:

Absenteeism represented 61.1%. A statistical association was identified between absenteeism and a labor environment with high and very high risks (X2

4.03 and 4.72), which was confirmed by the logistic regression model in the very high risk level (β = 5.32).

Discussion:

The category Work Environment was the most relevant in this context, a finding which is similar to other studies showing the influence of the working conditions and organizational environment on the level of absenteeism among the nursing staff.

Conclusion:

Stressful working conditions have negative impacts on the wellbeing of the workers. Further research needs to be conducted on the healthcare personnel in order to help implement prevention strategies to support the mental health of the worker.