An Overview of Shift Work Variability among Nurses in Governmental Sectors in Kuwait: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Shift work is a work schedule with a diversity of working time arrangements. The diversificationof working time is significantly associated with health problems such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular.Shift work is considered a workplace hazard. It indicated high levels of stress and exhaustion among nursesand a low level of job satisfaction. Irregularity in working hours might compromise nurses’ performance andcontribute to low quality of care in health care settings.Aim: This study aims to describe the shift work variability, the sufficiency of sleeping, general aspects ofhealth and performance among nurses working in the governmental sectors in Kuwait.Methods: An observational cross-sectional design was used among nurses working in Kuwait’s governmentalhealth care sectors.Findings: A total of 329 nurses participated in this study. The majority of participants reported rotating shiftwork 297 (90.3%). The mean and standard deviation of sleeping hours were reported as 5.8±1.15 hours.Of them, 167 (50.8%) nurses reported falling asleep while driving after finishing their work duty. Besides,frequent feeling of fatigue was expressed by the participants 268 (81.5%).Conclusion: The present study revealed a high level of shift work variability among nurses. Fatigue, fallingasleep, and work incidences were also reported by nurses. Special attention should be given to nursesworking under shift work rotation as this might affect their general health and performance. Decision makersshould provide adaptation programs and apply enhamcement measures to promot health and productivity ofnurses in Kuwait.