Higher Levels Of Fatigue Research Articles

Prevalence of post COVID-19 syndrome

Background: Post COVID-19 syndrome is a condition where symptoms from the acute infection continue to persist after several weeks of testing negative on RT-PCR. It has been divided into 2 stages- post-acute and post chronic COVID-19, where symptoms continue to persist after 3 and 12 weeks respectively. The most common are fatigue, breathlessness, arthralgia, myalgia, chest pain, headache, concentration problems, etc. Different treatment techniques like breathing exercises, strengthening and stretching as well as cardiovascular endurance exercises can be given to improve their quality of life.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 COVID-19 survivors who are in the time-span of more than 3 weeks after testing negative on RT-PCR. A validated questionnaire was circulated via online platforms. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: Data analysis showed that there was a 39.33% prevalence of post COVID-19 syndrome among the Indian population. The standard deviation of age was 33.96±13.954. It is found that high levels of fatigue (28.2%), myalgia (12.9%), cough (10.3%), headache (7.7%) and breathlessness (7.7%) still exist post 3 weeks of COVID-19 infection. In the case of post 12 weeks of COVID-19 infection, symptoms like fatigue (19%), avascular necrosis of femur (AVN) (12.6%), arthralgia (10.8%), myalgia (9%), problems with concentration (9%) and brain fog (7.2%) still persist.Conclusions: The study confirms the occurrence of long-term COVID-19 effects in the Indian population, and a 39.33% prevalence of post COVID-19 syndrome.

Development of an integrated fatigue measurement system for construction workers: a feasibility study

BackgroundConstruction workers working in physically and mentally challenging environments experience high levels of occupational fatigue, which is the primary cause of industrial accidents and illnesses. Therefore, it is very important to measure fatigue in real time to manage the safety and health of construction workers. This study presents a novel approach for simultaneously measuring the subjective and objective fatigue of construction workers using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and smartwatches. Due to the complexity and diversity of construction site environments, it is necessary to examine whether data collection using smartwatches is suitable in actual construction sites. This study aims to examine the feasibility of the integrated fatigue measurement method.MethodsThis study comprised two phases: (1) development of an integrated fatigue measurement system for construction workers, and (2) a validation study to evaluate the method’s feasibility based on sensor data acquisition, EMA compliance, and feedback from construction workers in the field (N = 80). Three days of biometric data were collected through sensors embedded in the smartwatches for objective fatigue measurement, including heart rate, accelerometer, and gyroscope data. Two types of self-reported data regarding each worker’s fatigue were collected through a researcher-developed EMA application. The acceptability and usability of this system were examined based on the researchers’ observations and unstructured interviews.ResultsBased on the standardized self-report questionnaire scores, participants were classified into high (n = 35, 43.75%) and low (n = 45, 56.25%) fatigue groups for comparison. The quantitative outcomes did not show a statistically significant difference between the two fatigue groups. Both groups experienced positive emotions and were able to recognize their health condition at the time of self-reporting, but stated that responding to this measurement system could be burdensome.ConclusionsThis feasibility study provides a unique understanding of the applications of EMA and smartwatches for safety management in the construction workforce. The developed measurement system shows potential for monitoring fatigue based on the real-time collection of relevant data. It is expected that by expanding this integrated system through further research and onsite application, the health and safety of construction workers can be improved.

Fatigue, quality of life, and use of healthcare resources in children with complex chronic diseases

The objective was to assess fatigue in children with complex chronic diseases (CCCDs) and analyze its relationship with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, use of healthcare services, and quality of life (QoL). Cross-sectional study carried out in CCCDs attended in a tertiary hospital during 2016. Fatigue (PedsFacit-F questionnaire) and quality of life (PedsQL) were determined, and the following variables were registered: use of health resources, disease group, time with disease, and educational level and type of employment of the parents. A multiple regression model was developed to predict the use of healthcare resources. Seventy children were included in this study; mean age 10.5 years (range: 8-17), 41.4% girls, and cancer was the most frequent group disease (28.6%). Annual use of healthcare resources (38.86; SD: 30.73) increased with fatigue (r=-0.292; p=0.015). Higher levels of fatigue were determined for children with cancer (24.9; SD: 10.7) in comparison to other pathologies, while lower levels were found for heart diseases (44.5; SD: 7.9). The QoL perceived by CCCDs (20.6; SD: 16.5) directly correlated (p<0.001) with that of their parents (22.8; SD: 16.8); a correlation with fatigue was seen in both cases (r=0.528 and r= 0.441; p<0.0001). The adjusted effect of higher levels of fatigue (lower scores), lower length of disease duration, and higher level of education of the mother, predicted greater use of healthcare resources. CCCDs with higher fatigue levels use healthcare resources more often and perceive a worse QoL. This should be considered when providing care to this population.

Multilevel approach to individual and organisational predictors of stress and fatigue among healthcare workers of a university hospital: a longitudinal study

ObjectiveHealthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of experiencing stress and fatigue due to the demands of their work within hospitals. Improving their physical and mental health and, in turn,...

Influence of different protection levels of PPE on nurses' physical fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The continuous spread of COVID-19 globally has led to busier medical practices and nurses are having to provide medical services to patients while suffering from high levels of fatigue. This study experimentally investigated the influence of different levels of personal protection equipment (PPE) on nurses' physical fatigue. We collected data from 12 participants by simulating a series of nursing tasks. The participants wore one of three different protection levels of PPE, and data recording their heart rate (HR), oral temperature, task completion time, and subjective fatigue were collected. Following this, relationship models between subjective fatigue and objective fatigue indices was established using multiple linear regression analysis. By analyzing the variation trends of single indices of HR, oral temperature, task completion time, and subjective fatigue, it was found that the higher the level of protection levels of PPE worn by the participants, the higher the degree of fatigue experienced by them. In addition, taking subjective fatigue variation as the dependent variable and objective fatigue indices as independent variables, relationship models of the three different protection levels of PPE were established. The results confirmed the influence of different protection levels of PPE on nurses' physical fatigue levels. They also provide a basis for medical administrators to monitor the degree of fatigue experienced by nurses, attempt to arrange nurses' work content accordingly, and schedule suitably to combat and manage recorded increases in fatigue.

Factors predicting long-term physical activity of breast cancer survivors. 5-year-follow-up of the BREX exercise intervention study

Background The benefits of exercise training are well documented among breast cancer (BC) survivors. Patients decrease their physical activity during treatment, and many fail to regain their previous exercise levels. There is therefore a need to define factors supporting long-term physical activity behavior in this patient group, to target supporting interventions aimed at preventing the decline in physical activity (PA). Aim The aim of this study was to determine physical and psychosocial factors explaining long-term physical activity after the adjuvant treatments in BC survivors. Methods Four-hundred forty-six BC survivors followed for 5-years within a randomized exercise trial participated. Factors explaining (1) physical activity after the adjuvant treatments and (2) changes in physical activity in long-term were analyzed using linear regression models and general estimating equation models. Pretreatment leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), demographic, and treatment factors, physical fitness, and quality of life (Qol) at baseline were independent factors. Results Exercise levels increased during the first year, and thereafter remained mostly stable. Higher LTPA, higher fitness level, better Qol and older age at baseline were associated with higher physical activity level after adjuvant treatments (p < .001) in multivariate analysis. Higher levels of fatigue (p < .008) and better emotional functioning (p = .017) at baseline were the main factors associated with increased physical activity during the follow-up. Conclusion Previous exercise habits and Qol after adjuvant chemo-, and radiotherapy were the strongest determinants of long-term physical activity levels in breast cancer survivors. Patients with better emotional functioning increased their exercise activity most as did those patients with higher fatigue levels at baseline. Patients suffering from fatigue after adjuvant treatment managed to increase their exercise levels, in contrast to patients with low emotional functioning, and may benefit from physical exercise interventions. Emotionally deprived patients may benefit from psychosocial support to regain their previous exercise levels.

Health-related quality of life in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms: a two-wave longitudinal study

PurposeScientific knowledge on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) is still limited and longitudinal assessment of HRQoL over the time in NEN patients are scarce. The current study aimed to assess the role of clinical severity and heterogeneity of NEN, as well as resilience, in the HRQoL of NEN patients over the course of a year.Methods39 consecutive NEN patients (25 men and 14 women) aged from 29 to 73 years participated in a longitudinal Italian multicentric study. The main outcome measure concerned the severity and heterogeneity of NEN, HRQoL, and resilience.ResultsOver the course of a year, higher levels of the global health (GH) were associated to the absence of distant metastases, while the presence of metastases with higher levels of fatigue, diarrhea, and financial difficulties. Higher levels of resilience are still associated with better GH and lower levels of fatigue, diarrhea, and financial difficulties, but no longer with constipation. Furthermore, patients with gastroenteropancreatic NEN still have higher scores on constipation, but not on GH, fatigue, diarrhea, and financial difficulties. Patients with hereditary NEN continue to have greater GH than those with a sporadic NEN and lower fatigue, diarrhea, and financial difficulties.ConclusionThese findings showed that the effects of severity and clinical heterogeneity of the NEN on HRQoL may change over time. This evidence should lead clinicians to monitor the HRQoL of NEN patients throughout the course of the disease and psychologists to implement evidence-based resilience interventions.

PREVALENSI TERJADINYA BURNOUT SYNDROME DAN HUBUNGAN DENGAN FAKTOR PENYEBABNYA PADA DOSEN WANITA FAKULTAS KEDOKTERAN UNIVERSITAS UDAYANA

Female workers have a high level of fatigue which can lead to burnout syndrome, especially female workers who are lecturers at Faculty of Medicine Udayana University. This study aims to determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome in female lecturers and the relationship with the causative factors. This study is an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional approach using 94 research samples. The relationship between variables was analyzed using Chi-square. The results of this study indicate that there is no significant relationship between age and burnout syndrome (p=0,140); there is no significant relationship between marital status and burnout syndrome (p=0,780); there is no significant relationship between tenure and burnout syndrome (p=0,238); there is no significant relationship between individual factors and burnout syndrome (p=0,347); there is no significant relationship between organizational factors and burnout syndrome (p=0,331); there was no significant relationship between work environment and burnout syndrome (p=0,202). The conclusion of the study is that there is no relationship between age, marital status, tenure, individual factor, organizational factor and work environment with the occurrence of burnout syndrome

Determinants of Zoom Fatigue Among Graduate Students of Teacher Education Program

Videoconference applications gained popularity when online learning became the new way of delivering instruction at all levels of education including graduate programs. However, excessive videoconferencing led to reports of fatigue among its users. Identifying the factors contributing to the videoconference exhaustion experience of graduate students is necessary. This study examined Zoom fatigue and selected associated factors among graduate students. An electronic one-shot survey using the Zoom Exhaustion and Fatigue scale was conducted among 109 graduate students of the College of Teacher Education in the Philippines. Correlation and predictive analysis were performed. Results of the study demonstrated a moderate level of Zoom fatigue with the highest level of fatigue in the general fatigue dimension. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between attitude toward videoconferencing and Zoom fatigue. Non-verbal mechanisms of mirror anxiety, feeling physically trapped, hyper gaze, and cognitive load in producing non-verbal cues were significantly positively related to Zoom fatigue. Regression analysis revealed that the sense of being physically trapped and cognitive load in producing non-verbal cues remained significant predictors of Zoom fatigue. While videoconferencing supported educational activities and made schooling possible during the global disease outbreak, it is recommended to be mindful of the non-verbal factors contributing to Zoom fatigue.

Resident Depression and Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Canadian Laboratory Medicine Trainees.

Resident physicians face a higher rate of burnout and depression than the general population. Few studies have examined burnout and depression in Canadian laboratory medicine residents, and none during the COVID-19 pandemic. To identify the prevalence of burnout and depression, contributing factors, and the impact of COVID-19 in this population. An electronic survey was distributed to Canadian laboratory medicine residents. Burnout was assessed using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9. Seventy-nine responses were collected. The prevalence of burnout was 63% (50 of 79). The prevalence of depression was 47% (37 of 79). Modifiable factors significantly associated with burnout included career dissatisfaction, below average academic performance, lack of time off for illness, stress related to finances, lack of a peer or staff physician mentor, and a high level of fatigue. Modifiable factors significantly associated with depression further included a lack of access to wellness resources, lack of time off for leisure, and fewer hours of sleep. Fifty-five percent (41 of 74) of participants reported direct impacts to their personal circumstances by the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout and depression are significant issues affecting Canadian laboratory medicine residents. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we recommend the institution of flexible work arrangements, protected time off for illness and leisure, ongoing evaluation of career satisfaction, formal and informal wellness programming with trainee input, formal mentorship programming, and a financial literacy curriculum as measures to improve trainee wellness.

The association between fatigue severity and risk of falls among middle-aged and older Australian stroke survivors

BackgroundFatigue is a common and often debilitating symptom experienced by many stroke survivors. Significant post stroke fatigue may predispose individuals to other health complications, such as falls, which can lead to fractures and soft tissue injuries. Only limited research has examined the association between fatigue and falls in stroke survivors.MethodsData were obtained from the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study, from a subset of individuals who had experienced a stroke. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale—5-item version (MFIS-5) was used to measure the level of fatigue. A logistic regression model, adjusted for stroke characteristics and comorbidities, was used to determine the magnitude of association between change in fatigue score and odds of having had a fall.ResultsA total of 576 participants completed the questionnaire. A total of 214 (37.2%) participants reported having had a fall in the previous 12 months. There was a statistically significant association between fatigue scores and fall status (p < 0.001). Specifically, for every 1-point increase in the fatigue score (MFIS-5) (i.e. higher level of fatigue), the odds of a person having a fall is 1.10 times greater (AOR = 1.10; 95% CI 1.05, 1.15; p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study revealed an association between an increasing risk of falls with increasing severity of post stroke fatigue. Accurate detection and management of fatigue may help reduce the risk of falls and should be the focus of future research.

Reciprocal effects of esport participation and mental fatigue among Chinese undergraduate students using dynamic structural equation modeling

Esport has emerged as a global phenomenon in recent years, particularly among college students, but limited studies have examined its relationship with mental fatigue. This study aimed to examine the relationship between esport participation and mental fatigue among Chinese undergraduate students. Data from 63 college students who completed a 15-day survey were analyzed using bivariate dynamic structural equation modeling. Results showed that 80.95% of students who played more esport also experienced more mental fatigue immediately after gameplay. In addition, 25.40% of students who experienced increased mental fatigue immediately after gameplay reduced their subsequent esport participation time 12 h later. In general, students who participated in esport for longer were more likely to experience higher mental fatigue, lingering feelings of mental fatigue, and to reduce their subsequent esport participation time as a result of previously increased after-game mental fatigue. Our findings suggest that participating in more esport not only leads to increased mental fatigue immediately following gameplay, but that a sustained high level of esport participation is also associated with a consistent high level of mental fatigue and a lingering feeling of mental fatigue. Health promotion professionals and policymakers should explore measures that might be implemented to promote healthier esport behaviors among college students.

COMPASSION FATIGUE, BURNOUT AND COMPASSION SATISFACTION AMONG NURSES WORKING IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF NEPAL DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background: Nurses frequently experience compassion fatigue and burnout, which have an impact on both their personal lives and patient care. The aim of this study was to assess compassion fatigue, burnout and compassion satisfaction among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal during COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 nurses working in Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study sample. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire with Professional Quality of Life Questionnaire (ProQOL) from 15th July 2021AD to 15th September 2021AD. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 15 for window using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Majority of the nurses reported moderate level of compassion fatigue 177 (77.0%), burnout 176 (76.5%) and compassion satisfaction 164 (71.3%) whereas only 65 (28.3%), 8 (3.5%) and 2 (0.9%) nurses had high level of compassion satisfaction, fatigue and burnout respectively. Level of compassion fatigue and burnout were significantly associated with professional protection training. There was significant relationship found among components of ProQOL where compassion satisfaction was negatively correlated with fatigue (r= -.149: p-0.024) and burnout (r=-.487: p-0.000) but compassion fatigue and burnout were positively correlated with each other (r=0.522, p=&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Majority of nurses working in tertiary care hospital have moderate level of compassion satisfaction, fatigue and burnout during COVID-19 crisis. Hence, effective measures need to be implemented by hospital administration to enhance the nurses’ satisfaction and to reduce fatigue and burnout during pandemic period.

Fatigue in multiple sclerosis is associated with socioeconomic factors

ObjectivesFatigue is one of the leading causes of reduced quality of life and inability to work in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Currently, no treatment effectively ameliorates fatigue. We still know little about what causes fatigue and which factors may contribute to fatigue. Knowledge about socioeconomic factors’ role in fatigue might help us recognize strategies for the management of fatigue. Our aim was to explore whether socioeconomic factors are associated with the presence or level of perceived fatigue. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of the MS population in three Norwegian counties. We used the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions to assess self-reported fatigue, and obtained socioeconomic data from Statistics Norway and questionnaires. To assess self-reported anxiety and depression, we employed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Clinical data were gathered from the hospital record system. ResultsThe response rate was 64% (1599/2512). Seventy percent of the respondents were female, and the mean age was 52 years. Higher levels of education were associated with lower levels of fatigue. Receiving a disability pension, being divorced and having children were all factors associated with higher levels of fatigue, as were low parental education, low income, current smoking, and autoimmune comorbidities. We found a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression in pwMS with fatigue compared to those without fatigue ConclusionFemale sex, high level of disability, anxiety, depression and socioeconomic factors were independently associated with fatigue in contemporary patients with MS. These factors should be considered when devising management strategies.

E-learning is a burden for the deaf and hard of hearing

When considering deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) population, research recognizes that fatigue due to communication challenges and multi-focal attention allocation is a significant concern. Given the putative heightened demands of distance learning on deaf and hard of hearing students, we investigate how an online environment might differently affect deaf and hard of hearing participants, compared to hearing participants, Portuguese Sign Language (PSL) users and non-users. Our findings show that the deaf and hard of hearing group present higher values in the post-task fatigue rates with significant differences from the hearing group (non-PSL users). Furthermore, our results revealed an association between post-task fatigue rates and lower performance scores for the deaf and hard of hearing group, and the gap is significantly bigger when compared with the hearing group (non-PSL users). We also found evidence for high levels of post-task fatigue and lower performance scores in the hearing group PSL users. These novel data contribute to the discussion concerning of the pros and cons of digital migration and help redesign more accessible and equitable methodologies and approaches, especially in the DHH educational field, ultimately supporting policymakers in redefining optimal learning strategies.

P.048 Objective measures of balance deficits in sensory ganglionopathy

Background: Sensory ganglionopathy (SG) is a rare form of neuropathy affecting the dorsal root ganglia and leading to non-length-dependent sensory abnormalities. Although balance problems are frequently reported by patients, a comprehensive balance assessment in SG has not been conducted. This study quantifies balance deficits in SG and examines their relation to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods: Prospective data was collected from five participants with SG. Balance assessments included Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, Berg Balance scale, and 360 degree turn. Participants completed PROMs assessing balance confidence (ABC scale), pain, fatigue, quality of life (QoL), and daily activity and participation. Assessment also included neurological exam, nerve conduction studies (NCS) and posturography. Results: All participants had severe SG on NCS with normal strength and significant sensory abnormalities. Balance scores indicated severe balance deficits in all participants and aligned with posturography and truncal sway measures. PROMs revealed low confidence in balance, high levels of pain and fatigue, difficulties with daily activities, and reduced QoL. Conclusions: Although balance testing is not part of routine clinical practice, PROMs and targeted assessment may help monitor patients with SG and their response to treatment. Larger sample sizes are needed to understand the impact of balance on PROMs and optimize bedside balance testing.

Prevalence of Pain and Its Risk Factors Among ICU Personnel in Tertiary Hospital in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundAlthough pain is commonly observed among medical staff, studies on pain among intensive care unit personnel are uncommon, especially intensive care unit (ICU) doctors and workers. Moreover, few studies have focused on the prevalence of pain and the associated factors.PurposeThe aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of pain among ICU personnel (including doctors, nurses and workers) and explore the risk factors for their pain.MethodsWe conducted an online survey that included sociodemographic and work-related items and questions about pain, ergonomics, and psychological factors. We used the short version of the validated Depression–Anxiety–Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess the relationship between pain and mental disorders. All ICU personnel at West China Hospital of Sichuan University participated in this study.ResultsA total of 356 ICU personnel were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of pain was 72.2% among ICU nurses, 64.4% among ICU doctors and 52.9% among ICU workers. The most frequent location of pain was the lower back among nurses (65.9%) and workers (47.1%) and the neck among doctors (49.1%). The factors contributing to pain among ICU personnel were bending or twisting the neck, high levels of psychological fatigue, low self-perceived health status, female sex and high body mass index (BMI). Moreover, participants with pain indicated significantly higher depression (p ≤ 0.001), anxiety (p ≤ 0.001), and stress levels (p = 0.002) than those without pain.ConclusionThis study indicates that ICU personnel exhibit a high prevalence of pain. Many factors, especially psychosocial and ergonomic factors, contribute to pain levels among ICU personnel and the poorer mental health levels observed in those experiencing pain. Therefore, disease prevention and health promotion measures are needed to protect the health of ICU personnel.

Perceived Social Isolation in Heart Failure.

Patients with heart failure (HF) experience social isolation associated with an increased risk of morbidity, mortality, and elevated health care expenditures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with perceived social isolation and to assess the impact of fatigue on social isolation. A total of 100 HF outpatients were enrolled by convenience sampling. Data were collected by completion of the Greek version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS-Greek), which also included patients’ characteristics and their self-report about social isolation. Of the 100 participants (68% men; mean age, 68.6 ± 7.1 years), 78% reported perceiving social isolation. Factors significantly associated with perceived social isolation were female sex (P = .001), New York Heart Association class IV (P = .001), stress about HF (P = .002), paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (P = .030), edema in the lower limbs (P = .001), report of receiving many medications (P = .001), change in body image (P = .032), and not following limitations in fluid and sodium intake (P = .001). The MFIS total score determined moderate to high levels of fatigue (median, 70 points; range, 21–105 points). Total fatigue was statistically significantly associated with social isolation as perceived by patients (P = .001). In conclusion, demographic and clinical characteristics as well as fatigue are associated with perceived social isolation. It is essential to evaluate social isolation in routine practice.

Frontline nurses' compassion fatigue and associated predictive factors during the second wave of COVID-19 in Kampala, Uganda.

AimThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated contextual factors of compassion fatigue in nurses in Kampala.DesignThis study employed a cross‐sectional study design.MethodsParticipants included 395 nurses. They provided details about their demographic information. Stamm's Professional Quality of Life V‐5 was used to assess the levels of compassion fatigue. Statistical analysis included Pearson's chi‐square and Fischer's exact test, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. A p‐value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the total 395 participants, 58.23% (N = 230) were female, 39.76% had a diploma, 47.09% were single, 43.54% had worked for 11–15 years, 54.94% had an exposure to COVID‐19 cases and 43.54% worked for more than 10 hr a day. 49.11% had high levels of compassion fatigue. The predictors of compassion fatigue were working experience (p‐value = <.001), exposure to COVID‐19 (p‐value = <.019), long working hours (p‐value = .003) and remuneration (p‐value = <.001).

0223 Sleep during layovers of different lengths after long-haul flying across multiple time zones in different geographic directions

Abstract Introduction Long-haul pilots experience high levels of fatigue and circadian disruption due to long work hours and trans-meridian travel. The aim of this study was to characterize sleep timing and duration during layovers of different lengths after crossing multiple time zones. Methods All pilots flying long-haul operations from a single airline were eligible to participate. While following their normal work schedule within airline operations, pilots collected data for ~2 weeks including at least two long-haul rotations, with rest days and layovers. Participants wore an Actiwach (Phillips Respironics) throughout the entire study period and completed a sleep diary (at bedtime and upon waking up). Based on the data, we categorized layovers as follows: layover type 1: 34 h after crossing five time zones in westward direction; layover type 2: 34 h, no time zone change; layover type 3: 55 h after crossing six time zones in eastward direction. Each flight left the home base at the same time of day (23:00) and the flight duration was between 10.5 and 12 h. We calculated descriptive statistics for each category. Results Forty-four long-haul pilots participated in the study (5 female; mean age 44.25 ± 10.06 yrs; mean flight hours 9834.3 ± 5334.1 h). We found that for layover type 1, the mean sleep duration (h) per 24 h was 6.90 (±1.04), mean sleep efficiency (%) was 81.08 (±10.89), and mean Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO, min) was 33.23 (±20.42); for layover type 2, the mean sleep duration (h) per 24 h was 6.91 (±1.06), mean sleep efficiency (%) was 81.71 (±6.80), and mean WASO (min) was 30.10 (±11.00); for layover type 3, the mean sleep duration (h) was 7.07 (±1.32), mean sleep efficiency (%) was 83.93 (±6.04), and mean WASO (min) was 36.94 (±17.95). Conclusion Our preliminary analyses showed that sleep duration and sleep efficiency were similar for the layovers of the same length regardless of time zone change. Additional analyses will be conducted to investigate sleep on additional layovers of different lengths and the effects of sleep obtained during layover on the performance and alertness on the return flights. Support (If Any) This research was supported by the NASA System-Wide Safety Program.