Abstract
BACKGROUND: Work centrality is defined as the importance individuals attribute to their work role. Its relationship with different dimensions of work-related well-being among nurses remains underexplored, particularly in the Egyptian healthcare context. This study aimed to examine the association between work centrality and work-related well-being among Egyptian nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses in healthcare units affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Population, Alexandria, Egypt. Validated questionnaires were translated into Arabic and distributed online to measure Work centrality and the three dimensions of work-related well-being: pleasure in work, health, and relationships. Factors associated with work centrality were examined using univariate linear regression models. Multiple linear regression assessed the associations between work centrality and well-being dimensions while adjusting for age, sex, marital status, education, work setting, and department. Potential effect modifications by sex, work setting, education level, and shift type were also explored. RESULTS: A total of 342 nurses responded to the questionnaire with a response rate of 29.7%. Among the 337 respondents with complete data, 91% were females, and 91% were hospital-based nurses. Lower work centrality scores were more common among younger, married nurses, and those with graduate education, with a median score [Min, Max] of 21.0 [11.0, 31.0]. In univariate models, lower pleasure in work, poorer recovery, and weaker relationships with colleagues were significantly associated with lower work centrality (p < 0.001). In the adjusted models, work centrality remained positively associated with pleasure in work [B = 0.31, 95% CI 0.21–0.41, p < 0.001], need for recovery (better health/lower fatigue) [B = 0.20, 95% CI 0.10–0.31, p < 0.001], and relationships with colleagues [B = 0.22, 95% CI 0.11–0.34, p < 0.001]. Working shifts modified the associations between work centrality and both pleasure and health, but not relationships with colleagues. CONCLUSION: Higher work centrality was positively associated with greater workplace pleasure, better health (lower fatigue), and stronger collegial relationships among Egyptian nurses. These findings suggest that perceiving work as meaningful and central to professional identity may contribute to multiple dimensions of nurses’ well-being. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number: Not applicable. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12912-026-04613-z.