Characterising Potential Subtypes and Influencing Factors of Sleep Quality in Psychiatric Nurses by Latent Profile Analysis

Background. Sleep is a crucial factor affecting an individual’s physical and mental health. Psychiatric nurses work under high stress and load, and it is necessary to understand the sleep quality of psychiatric nurses and the influencing factors. However, individual-centred studies of psychiatric nurses’ sleep are limited. Aims. To explore the heterogeneity in sleep quality among psychiatric nurses, to identify the factors influencing different subtypes, and to provide targeted strategies and measures to improve their sleep quality. Methods. From August to October 2022, 298 psychiatric nurses working in a mental health centre in Liaoning Province were selected as the participants. The study involved administering the following two questionnaires: the general information questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analyses included latent profile analysis, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and multiple logistic regression. Results. The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) among psychiatric nurses was 54.7%. The sleep quality of psychiatric nurses could be classified into the following three distinct profiles: good sleep quality, moderate sleep quality, and poor sleep quality. Nurses who were over 40 years of age, unmarried/divorced/separated/widowed, worked more than 40 hours per week, experienced significant life events in the past year, had poor nurse-patient relationships, and had chronic diseases were more likely to have poorer sleep quality. Conclusions. There was significant heterogeneity in sleep quality among psychiatric nurses. Age, marital status, work schedule, total weekly working hours, night shifts, special life events, nurse-patient relationships, and chronic diseases were associated with their sleep quality. Implications. The heterogeneity and influencing factors of sleep quality in psychiatric nurses provided evidence for individualized interventions in the future. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2200062347.