GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AMONG SHIFT WORK NURSES AT A GOVERNMENTAL HOSPITAL, ZAGAZIG CITY.

Abstract

Introduction: Disruption of biological rhythms as a result of shift work has been associated with gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation. Aim of work: To determine the magnitude of gastrointestinal disorders and its possible risk factors among shift work nurses. Materials and methods: a cross sectional study was conducted among (163) nurses at Al-Ahrar hospital, the studied nurses was classified into shift work (112) and non-shift work (day workers) (51) groups. Data collection: a questionnaire composed of 2 parts; a) Part one: includes socio-demographic and work characteristics data; b) Part two: Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire. Results: the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders among shift work nurses was (72.3%) compared to (52.9%) of non-shift work group with statistically significant differences. Reflux syndrome was a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder among shift work group that reported by (50%) of them compared to15.7% of non-shift work group. Also indigestion syndrome was higher among shift work group than non-shift group (30.4% and 15.7%) with statisticallysignificant differences. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) score was 0.73±0.33 in shift work group, compared with a mean score of 0.59±0.42 among nonshift work group with statistically significant differences (p<0.02). Consumption of coffee and tea more than 3 cups per day and non-fixed shifts per month increase the risk of gastrointestinal tract disorders among shift-work nurses (OR= 3.34 and 2.69 respectively). Conclusion: Participation in shift work, especially rotating and non-fixed shifts is associated with the development of gastrointestinal disorders. It isrecommended that fixed shifts per month decrease the risk of developing GIT disorders.