Influencing factors of the work engagement of healthcare workers in maternal and child health institutions: an online cross-sectional study

Work engagement has a positive effect on individuals and organizations. However, data on the work engagement of healthcare employees in maternal and child health institutions are limited. To explore the level of work engagement and its influencing factors on healthcare employees in maternal and child health institutions. In January 2023, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 411 healthcare employees working in maternal and child health institutions in Chongqing, China. Data were collected using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and sociodemographic information. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs), Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between variables. Healthcare employees' overall work engagement is at a medium level, with a score of 3.51 +/- 1.49. The dedication subscale showed the highest mean score (3.76 +/- 1.56), followed by the vigor (3.50 +/- 1.54) and absorption (3.33 +/- 1.53). Gender was associated with absorption. Employment form was associated with work engagement, and its two dimensions (vigor and absorption). Hospital preparedness and perceived social support were positively associated with work engagement and its three dimensions. Healthcare managers should provide a supportive work environment to increase employees' work engagement, and formulate strategies and measures by considering influencing factors. Further research is needed to design effective intervention programs and implement them.