Engagement in primary health care nurses: A cross-sectional study in a Brazilian city

Objective Professional engagement is an indicator of the relationship between a nurse and the work environment and is an important factor in performance and productivity. The goal of this study was to evaluate levels of engagement among nurses in primary health care units. Methods Cross-sectional study in a city of Sao Paulo state, Brazil, in 2017, using an instrument containing sociodemographic variables and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Results In the sample of 75 nurses, the majority were female (94.7%), aged between 29 and 39 (52.0%), specialists (81.3%), married (57.3%), permanent employees (68.0%), working 40 hr per week (98.7%), and working in primary health care for 3-10 years (42.7%). Engagement levels were classified as high in all dimensions. Nurses who worked as managers presented a very high level of dedication; professionals aged 40 years or older presented very high levels in all dimensions (Dedication: 5.2; Absorption: 5.0; Vigor: 5.3; and Overall score: 5.1); and professionals with more than 10 years of experience in primary health care had very high levels in all dimensions (Dedication: 5.0; Absorption: 5.0; Vigor: 5.0; and Overall score: 5.0). Conclusions Nurses working in Brazil's primary health care system have high engagement and ability to act; they enhance team performance and quality and effectiveness of care provided.