The impact of chronotype on physical health, psychological health, and job performance among health care providers in acute care settings

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Chronotype represents individual preferences to work specific shifts. Few researchers have examined the impact of chronotype on critical care (CC) nurses’ physical and psychological health as well as performance in the workplace. Aim to investigate the impact of specific chronotypes on the physiological and psychological health of CC nurses as well as their performance in the workplace. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to conduct the study. Data were collected using three instruments: the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, the Standard Shiftwork Index (SSI), and the Six Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance (Six-D Scale). A convenient sample of 101 nurses working in critical care units at two hospitals in Jordan was recruited. Results Results showed that the trend of nurses to the chronotypes compatibility less than those who did not show their compatibility (45.5%). Results also indicated weak negative associations between chronotype and gastrointestinal health and cardiovascular health, respectively (r = −.108; r = −.020). There was a weak positive association between chronotype and psychological health (r = .000). Regarding work performance, negative significant correlations between chronotype and the two domains of work performance (i.e. frequency [P = .01] and quality of nursing activity [P = .05]) were discovered. Conclusion Chronotype is typically induced by the shiftwork system, so it may be more appropriate to plan work requirements and daily activities based on chronotype to avoid the consequences of health disruptions.