Digestive Disorders among the Shift and the Day-Working Nurses in Public and Private Hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the impact of shift work on digestive disorders among nurses in public and private sector hospitals in Peshawar. Employing an analytical cross-sectional design, data were collected at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar and Northwest General Hospital Peshawar between May 2017 and August 2018. Methods: A total of 252 nurses participated, with 227 providing responses. Data, obtained through a self-administered questionnaire via convenience sampling, received approval from the Ethical Committee and Advanced Studies and Research Board of Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Demographic variables and participant responses were analyzed using frequency, percentages, and the Chi Square test to explore associations with digestive disorders. A P value less than 0.05 denoted statistical significance. Results: The study revealed that current shift work significantly impacted digestive complaints. Notably, 40.7% of day workers and 54.6% of shift workers experienced digestive disorders (P = 0.037). Moreover, public sector hospital nurses demonstrated lower susceptibility to digestive disorders, with rates of 46.8% and 49.1% for public and private organizations, respectively (P = 0.730). Conclusion: This research indicates that nurses engaged in continuous night shifts are notably predisposed to digestive disorders, while the type of hospital (public or private) does not significantly influence such disorders.