Psychosocial Impact of Night Shift Work among Nurses in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: A considerable number of studies have identified psychological and social difficulties resulting from night shift work among nurses. However, studies of the risk factors of experiencing the psychological and social impact of night shift work among hospital nurses is crucial but lacking. This study aimed to investigate the psychological and social effects of night shift work and the associated factors among nurses in Saudi Arabia (SA). Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey carried out from May to July 2017 among nurses working night shifts in public hospitals in all regions of SA. The data were collected through online or paper-based self-administered questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the predictors of experiencing the psychological and social impact of night shift work. Results: A total of 1521 nurses completed the survey. The overall median psychological effect score was 14.0 (maximum 20). A total of 88.2% (1341/1521) of the participants reported a psychological impact due to night shift work. The overall median social effect score was 15.0 (maximum 20). A total of 90.9% (1383/1521) of the participants reported a social impact due to night shift work. Being a female nurse, a Saudi or Filipino national, being involved in rotating or fixed night shift work, dislike or occasional dislike for night shift work, and having had 6-10 weeks or over 20 weeks of night shift work in the preceding year were independent predictors of having a psychological impact due to night shift work. Furthermore, being involved in rotating night shift work, dislike or occasional dislike for night shift work, and having had over 20 weeks of night shift work in the preceding year were independent predictors of having a social impact due to night shift work. Conclusion: There was a high psychosocial impact of night shift work among nurses in the study setting. The development of incentives and support structures for nurses involved in night shift work is recommended.