The Effects of Globalization on Health Care Work and the Health Care Worker

Auxiliary nurses compare favourable with other health providers in mortality and morbidity. Working in shifts with low pay level and exposed to ergonomic, chemical and biological and mechanical agents, auxiliary nurses and related employees are a priority group for workplace health promotion (WHP). A total of 204 auxiliary nurses in three hospitals in Finland, Spain and Costa Rica participated in the testing of a feasibility assessment instrument. Data were collected on behavioural and subjective health hazards and acceptability of WHP among auxiliaries (questionnaire) and on social context (interviews). Workdays were scheduled in two or three shifts, weekly hours varying from 38 (Finland) to 48 (Costa Rica). In Finland, qualifications concentrated on cleaning skills. In Spain and Costa Rica wider training was required. Unionization rate was high (95%) in Finland. Auxiliaries were favourable (69-83%) towards WHP. High hazard and acceptability rates were found for WHP programs on diet, overweight, physical activity, and in Spain, smoking.