Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms may influence occupational functioning, particularly in demanding healthcare environments. Understanding the extent to which these symptoms are associated with job performance is essential for supporting the well-being and productivity of hospital nurses. This study aimed to investigate the association between OC symptoms and their subdimensions with job performance among hospital nurses. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 340 nurses working in public hospitals in southern Iran. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a validated 39-item OC Symptom Scale and the 15-item Job Performance Questionnaire. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationships and associative strength of OC symptoms in relation to job performance. Demographic variables were also analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson’s r. RESULTS: The mean total score of OC symptoms was 84.36 (SD = 15.72), indicating a moderate level. The mean job performance score was 27.84 (SD = 5.26), also within the moderate range. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between total OC symptoms and job performance (r = -0.42, p < 0.001). All eight subdimensions of OC symptoms showed significant negative correlations with job performance. A multiple linear regression analysis, adjusted for age, experience, education level, and employment type, indicated that OC symptoms were significantly associated with job performance (F(12, 327) = 12.09, p < 0.001), explaining 30.7% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.307), which represents a moderate explanatory power. The effect size, calculated using Cohen’s f², was 0.44, indicating a large effect. The most influential symptom domains showing significant negative associations were checking compulsions (β = -0.22, p < 0.001), impulsive thoughts of harm (β = -0.19, p < 0.001), and ordering compulsions (β = -0.17, p = 0.001). Age, experience, gender, education level, and type of employment also showed significant associations with the main variables (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: OC symptoms are significantly associated with reduced nurses’ job performance, highlighting the importance of mental health screening and targeted interventions within healthcare settings. Addressing these symptoms through preventive strategies and supportive policies may be linked to improved nurse performance and, in turn, patient care quality. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.