Abstract: Objective: To analyze the current status and influencing factors of Health-Related Productivity Loss (HRPL) among postpartum nurses returning to work, in order to provide a basis for formulating targeted intervention strategies. Methods: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 450 postpartum nurses returning to work from four general hospitals in Qingdao between September 2024 and September 2025. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Work Pressure Scale for the Postpartum Nurses returning to work, the Essentials of Magnetism II Scale, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, the Intrinsic Work Motivation Scale, and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the pathways among the variables. Results: The incidence of HRPL among postpartum nurses returning to work was 64.4%, with a median score of 20.00 (0, 40.00). Partial least squares structural equation modeling revealed that health status partially mediated the relationship between work stress and HRPL (P<0.001), and hospital magnetic level had a direct negative effect on HRPL (P=0.007). Conclusion: Postpartum nurses returning to work experience a relatively high incidence of HRPL. Nursing managers can protect their health-related productivity by optimizing human resource allocation, providing health resources, and enhancing magnet hospital attributes.

Key words: postpartum nurse returning to work; Health-Related Productivity Loss; partial least squares structural equation modeling; influencing factor