Influence of desynchronized circadian rhythm on working memory, concentration and divided attention on pink collar shift workers of a tertiary care hospital: A comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to find the influence of desynchronized circadian rhythm on working memory, concentration, and divided attention among pink collar shift workers of KLE Hospital as offering 24-h emergency health-care services and hospital care for critical patients by working in shifts can lead to circadian misalignment which can further impair alertness and deteriorate the performance, increase the medical errors and can negatively impact shift workers' health and quality of patient care. Materials and Methods: Rey–Osterrieth complex figure test (ROCF) was performed to assess working memory by visual-spatial constructional ability and visual memory. Symbol digit modality test (SDMT) was conducted to assess concentration ability by divided attention, visual scanning, tracking, and motor speed. Following which, a recall test was conducted without any prior warning. Statistical analysis was performed by mean ± SD, unpaired t-test and P-value. Results: Shift workers’ and controls’ scores expressed as (mean score ± SD), respectively, were in ROCF copy test (33.52 ± 3.45) and (35.04 ± 3.45), in ROCF recall test (19.68 ± 3.71) and (26.6 ± 2.37), and SDMT correct scores were (49.16 ± 2.34) and (58.6 ± 4.11), SDMT error scores were (1.4 ± 2.32) and (1 ± 1.24), while SDMT total score was (50.56 ± 3.32) and (59.6 ± 5.65). Conclusion: Results obtained showed that the mean score for copy test in shift workers was comparatively low but not significant, while in recall test, it was significantly lower indicating lower accuracy to perform a task. Furthermore, their working memory was significantly affected. In the SDMT, the mean correct score was lower, the error score was slightly higher and the total score was significantly lower in shift workers, indicating lower accuracy to perform tasks involving concentration and attention, lower concentration and a significantly lesser speed while performing tasks.