Risk factors of anxiety, depression, stress, job burnout, and characteristics of sleep disorders in critical care nurses: An observational study

Abstract

Aim/Objective

The aim of this study was to determine risk factors and associations between anxiety, depression, stress, and job burnout and describe sleep disorders in critical care nurses.

Setting

Data were collected in six intensive care units.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Multivariate and univariate regressions were used to determine significant risk factors. Significance levels were established at p <0.05. We use Depression Anxiety Stress Scales to determine anxiety, depression, and stress. Work burnout was detected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale, and sleep quality was determined by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Results

A total of 140 critical care nurses were included. The female gender was associated with high levels of anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.12–8.23]; p = 0.029), depression (OR = 10.55; 95% CI = [2.17–51.19]; p = 0.003), and stress (OR = 2.87; 95% CI = [1.02–8.07]; p = 0.045). Multivariate regression showed that critical care nurses with intention of leaving were exposed to high levels of anxiety (OR = 3.65; 95% CI = [1.40–9.53]; p = 0.008), depression (OR = 6.79; 95% CI = [2.01–22.95]; p = 0.002), stress [OR = 4.13; 95% CI = [1.49–11.45]; p = 0.006), and burnout (OR = 4.15; 95% CI = [1.63–10.56]; p = 0.003). Sleep quality is influenced by high latency, low duration, the use of medications, and daytime dysfunction.

Conclusion

Females were exposed to a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress than men. The intention to leave was an independent predictor of anxiety, depression, and stress. Characteristics such as high sleep latency, low duration, use of medications, and daytime dysfunction have a negative impact on sleep quality. Early detection of mental health would allow nursing managers to implement nonpharmacological preventive interventions to improve well-being at work.