1515 Night shift work: what are the health repercussions of nurses in morocco?

Abstract

Introduction night work (NW) is neither natural, in terms of chronobiological rhythms, nor without risks to the health and quality of living conditions. He is suspected of having a role in various health problems (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, psychosocial risks). WHO sees it as a probable carcinogen (breast cancer +++). Methods This is a descriptive quantitative study of a sample of 69 nurses from a regional hospital. The aim is to assess the repercussions of night work on the physical, mental, family and social levels of nurses. Result more than 61% of nurses are over 40, with female predominance (56%). 52% have more than 10 years of professional experience. Gastro-intestinal complaints were revealed in the majority of nurses (bloating 53%, epigastralgia 40%). 97% say that NW is a mental load (stress 82%). 77% were victims of violence. 54% have difficulty falling asleep. 77% have never received medical surveillance. Discussion several studies reports that NW is more common in women, and this is also noted in our study (56%). They show the negative impact of NW on health, namely digestive and sleep disorders which agrees with our study (bloating 53%, difficulty falling asleep 54%). Moreover, with regard to medical surveillance, only 23% of the nurses in our study benefited from it, whereas the NW is considered as a real public health issue in the developed countries. Conclusion the NW is recognised as a factor of painfulness. In addition to medical follow-up of the employees concerned, appropriate preventive measures must be introduced, while improving the conditions and organisation of work, providing specific information and training on the risks involved, acting on the lifestyle and sleeping hygiene, improve artificial light.