Work–Family Conflict and Intention to Leave Among Nursing Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Work–family conflict is a relevant psychosocial factor in nursing and may influence turnover intention. This study analyzed the association between work–family conflict and turnover intention among nursing professionals in Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and July 2025 with 1097 nurses from a local health unit in northern Portugal. Data were collected using a sociodemographic and professional questionnaire, the Work–Family Conflict (WFC) and Family–Work Conflict (FWC) Scale, and the Turnover Intention Scale. Nonparametric tests, Spearman’s correlation, and linear regression models were used. Results: Participants were aged 23–66 years, with a median age of 42 years; most were women (84.0%) and held a bachelor’s degree (85.0%). Mean scores were 24.5 (SD = 7.7) for WFC, 13.2 (SD = 6.6) for FWC, and 34.8 (SD = 15.7) for turnover intention. Both conflict dimensions were positively correlated with turnover intention, with a stronger association for WFC (ρ = 0.347; p < 0.001) than for FWC (ρ = 0.186; p < 0.001). In the fully adjusted regression model, WFC remained positively associated with turnover intention (β = 0.383; SE = 0.062; t = 6.149; p < 0.001), whereas FWC was no longer significant. Adding job satisfaction, perceived work-related stress, and nurse manager support increased explanatory capacity. Conclusions: Work–family conflict, especially work-to-family interference, was associated with nurses’ turnover intention. These findings highlight the need for organizational strategies that reduce work demands, support work–life balance, and address broader occupational and psychosocial conditions.

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Publication Details

Journal
Healthcare
Published
2026-05-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101382
Primary Topic
Work-Family Balance Challenges
Type
article
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article

Work–Family Conflict and Intention to Leave Among Nursing Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Healthcare
Work-Family Balance Challenges
article

Work–Family Conflict and Intention to Leave Among Nursing Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study

article en

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Work–family conflict is a relevant psychosocial factor in nursing and may influence turnover intention. This study analyzed the association between work–family conflict and turnover intention among nursing professionals in Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and July 2025 with 1097 nurses from a local health unit in northern Portugal. Data were collected using a sociodemographic and professional questionnaire, the Work–Family Conflict (WFC) and Family–Work Conflict (FWC) Scale, and the Turnover Intention Scale. Nonparametric tests, Spearman’s correlation, and linear regression models were used. Results: Participants were aged 23–66 years, with a median age of 42 years; most were women (84.0%) and held a bachelor’s degree (85.0%). Mean scores were 24.5 (SD = 7.7) for WFC, 13.2 (SD = 6.6) for FWC, and 34.8 (SD = 15.7) for turnover intention. Both conflict dimensions were positively correlated with turnover intention, with a stronger association for WFC (ρ = 0.347; p < 0.001) than for FWC (ρ = 0.186; p < 0.001). In the fully adjusted regression model, WFC remained positively associated with turnover intention (β = 0.383; SE = 0.062; t = 6.149; p < 0.001), whereas FWC was no longer significant. Adding job satisfaction, perceived work-related stress, and nurse manager support increased explanatory capacity. Conclusions: Work–family conflict, especially work-to-family interference, was associated with nurses’ turnover intention. These findings highlight the need for organizational strategies that reduce work demands, support work–life balance, and address broader occupational and psychosocial conditions.

HealthcareVol. 14(10)
Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (BR), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) (BR), Universidade do Porto (PT), Hospital de São João (PT), Community University of Chapecó Region - Unochapecó (BR), Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (BR), Regional Health (US), Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Santa Maria (PT), Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa (PT), Centre for Health Technology and Services Research (PT), Hospital de Santa Maria (PT), Eskişehir Osmangazi University (TR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Work-Family Balance Challenges
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