Shiftwork-related problems among nurses working in Benha University Hospital, Egypt

Abstract

Objective This study aimed at studying the effects of shiftwork on health in nurses in Benha University Hospitals. Background Approximately one-fourth of hospital workers work in shift system. Shiftwork stress has been linked to negative effects on health. However, the studies on shiftwork effects are limited. Patient and methods This cross-sectional study targeted all nurses in Benha University Hospitals, Qualubeyia, Egypt, over the period from beginning of January 2014 to end of December 2014. The nurses completed Standard Shiftwork Index questionnaire and had a physical examination, including measurement of random blood sugar level, blood pressure for cardiovascular condition, and vital signs, especially pulse to assess arrhythmias, body weight, height, and BMI for obesity. Results The study recruited 803 nurses, and all of them were females; 43% aged more than 40 years, with a mean duration in shiftwork of 18.99 years. Most nurses were married. The surgical departments' nurses had significant higher BMI, digestive, and languidiness scores than medical departments' nurses. Both diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure were higher in married nurses who had dependent households. Nurses who worked up to 40 h/week in night and afternoon shifts had a significantly higher sleep disturbance score. Cardiovascular score was significantly higher among nurses aged of at least 40 years, and who worked in shift system for 20–40 years; there were significant positive correlations between diastolic blood pressure and number of households and between cardiovascular problems and age and work duration in the shift system. Conclusion Shiftwork was associated with health hazards, which mandated guidelines to protect nurses from the negative effect of shiftwork.