Shift Work Disorder and Related Health Problems Among Nurses in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Comparative Study

Main Article Content

Mohammed Farhan Alshammari, Mamdouh Mohammed D Aldhafeeri, Nasser Buraykan Almajdi, Naiyf Ghnaim Aldhafeeri, Meshal Khalaf Alshammari, Fahad Radi Mahdaf Aldferry

Keywords

Health problems among nurses, nurses, shift work disorder

Abstract

Shift Work Disorder (SWD) is a sleep disorder characterized by sleepiness and insomnia, attributed to work schedules. Understanding the mechanisms behind shift work-related health problems is crucial for managing schedules, employment, treatment, and employee selection. Objective: To assess SWD prevalence and related health problems among nurses in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Simple random sampling selected 130 nurses. Written consent was obtained, and structured interviews using the Standard Shift Work Index and Bergen Shift Work Sleep Questionnaire (BSWSQ) were conducted. Results: The mean age of the nurses was 27.4 ± 2.64 years. SWD prevalence was 43.07%. Common complaints included headache (60.0%), back pain (57.6%), gastritis (32.3%), and menstrual disorders (30.0%). Anxiety and depression were found in 17.6% and 23.8% of participants, respectively. SWD was significantly associated with increasing age, more nights worked per year, and longer working hours. 53.8% of nurses had sleep problems according to the BSWSQ. Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of SWD and associated health problems among nurses, emphasizing the need for interventions such as behavioral changes, rotating shifts, and treatment.

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