Abstract
Work fatigue is a common occupational health problem among nurses and may negatively affect work performance and the quality of health services. Occupational and physiological factors such as physical workload, work shifts, blood glucose level, uric acid level, cholesterol level, and nutritional status may contribute to fatigue and reduced nurse performance. This study aimed to analyze the effects of these factors on nurse performance through work fatigue as an intervening variable. This study used a quantitative cross-sectional design and was conducted at Stella Maris Hospital Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, in 2025. A total of 120 nurses were included using a technique. Data were collected through physiological measurements, body mass index assessment, and structured questionnaires related to workload, work shifts, work fatigue, and nurse performance. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, path analysis, and Sobel test analysis. The results showed that physical workload, cholesterol level, nutritional status, and work shift significantly affected work fatigue. Cholesterol level also significantly affected nurse performance directly. Work fatigue significantly affected nurse performance and mediated relationships between physical workload, cholesterol level, nutritional status, work shifts, and nurse performance. However, blood glucose and uric acid levels did not show significant indirect effects on nurse performance. In conclusion, work fatigue plays an important role in the relationship between occupational and physiological factors and nurse performance. Appropriate workload management, nutritional monitoring, shift scheduling, and health screening are recommended to reduce fatigue and maintain optimal nurse performance.
Keywords: Metabolic Indicators, Nurse Performance, Nutritional Status, Physical Workload, Work Fatigue.