This study aimed to evaluate the association between minor psychological disorders and the reduction of work capacity of nursing professionals. Epidemiological study (cross-sectional) involving 498 (84.1%) nursing professionals at a university hospital in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We used the Brazilian versions of the Work Ability Index and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, with descriptive and multivariate analysis. The prevalence of minor psychological disorders and the reduction of work ability corresponded to 33.7% and 43.3%, respectively. The analyses adjusted due to confounding factors showed that nursing professionals with suspected minor psychological disorders were twice as likely to have their work ability reduced when compared to those without suspected minor psychological disorders. It is concluded that there is a positive association between minor psychological disorders and reduced work ability among the investigated professionals. Measures are needed to minimize the psychological demands and empower the work ability.
Nursing; Work capacity evaluation; Occupational health; Occupational diseases; Mental disorders