Night Shift Duty Research Articles

Nurse Occupational Stressor Affect Their Clinical Performance and Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of emotional intelligence between the relationship of occupational stressors and clinical performance among nurses. This quantitative research was completed through correlational research design. Survey was conducted as a method of data collection with the help of questionnaires. Population was consisted of nurses from the public health sector in Punjab province, Pakistan. A sample of 864 nurses were recruited using convenience sampling technique. Three research instruments were used; Nurses’ Occupational Stressor Scale (Chen et al., 2020), Six Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance (Schwirian in 1978), and Emotional Intelligence Scale (Mehta & Singh, 2013). Findings of study reveal that there was negative relationship between occupational stressor and clinical performance. Moreover, emotional intelligence was negatively correlated with occupational stressor among nurses. In addition, there was a positive correlation between emotional intelligence and clinical performance among nurses. Results depict that occupational stressor are the significant negative predictors of clinical performance. Furthermore, the relationship between occupational stressor and clinical performance was partially mediated by emotional intelligence. Findings evident that nurses who were working in emergency room showed a greater level of occupational stressor as compared to nurses of intensive care unit. Similarly, the married nurses found stressful at workplace as compared to unmarried. Additionally, the nurses who were illiterate of computer skills showed a greater level of occupational stress than who have computer skills. Meanwhile, occupational stress level was greater among the nurses who were on night shift duty as compared to day shift duty. Results suggest that nurses of intensive care unit were found emotionally intelligent and their clinical performance was better as compared to emergency room nurses. The nurses who have the computer skill perform clinically better as compared to those who did not know the computer skill. Furthermore, the findings of the study reveal that the level of emotional intelligence was reported higher among those nurses who had the computer skill. In addition, there was no significant mean score difference was found on clinical performance between unmarried and married nurses. Furthermore, nurses who were unmarried and on day shift duty showed the greater level of emotional intelligence and clinical performance as compared to married and night shift duty. Findings of the study reveal that level of education and age of nurses plays an important role to determine their occupational stressor, clinical performance and emotional intelligence. Stress management training, simulation training should be provided to nurses to enhance their clinical performance in public health sector.

The effect of cumulative night shift duties on insomnia, fatigue, and mental health in intensive care unit

BackgroundNight shift duties are crucial in the ICU to ensure care continuity, where critically ill patients require round-the-clock care. However, cumulative night shift duties may disturb circadian rhythm, insomnia, fatigue, and depression, and require further elucidation. ObjectivesThis study aims to examine the negative consequences of various night shift patterns on insomnia, fatigue, and mental health of ICU Workers. MethodsA cross-sectional study examined how cumulative night shift duty affects insomnia, fatigue, and mental health in critical care providers (CCPs). ResultsA total of 1006 participants completed this study between June 2022 and March 2023, including 54.5 % males. About 35 % were between 20 and 30 years of age, and Respiratory Therapists accounted for approximately 46.5 % of the entire sample. Most of our respondents (476; 47 %) reported working night shifts, with a monthly range of 8–15 nights. The prevalence rates for moderate to severe clinical insomnia, fatigue, and moderate to severe depression were 42 %, 48 %, and 32 %, respectively. CCPs working 8–15 nights had a 2-fold risk of clinical insomnia than those working fewer than eight nights with (AOR) and 95 % (CI) of 2.12 and 1.41–3.20, while those working ≥16 nights per month had a greater incidence of clinical insomnia compared to those working <8 nights per month, AOR (CI): 3.09 (1.90–5.03). Only those working ≥16-night shifts per month had a substantially higher fatigue risk compared to those working < 8-night shifts per month, with an AOR (CI) of 1.92 (1.19–3.08). Working 8–15-night shifts per month increases depression risks by 34 % compared to the <8-night shifts group, AOR (CI): 1.34 (0.87–2.08). Those working ≥16-night shifts per month showed a higher depression risk than those working <8-night shifts, AOR (CI): 2.53 (1.53–4.19). ConclusionA cumulative night shift above eight nights per month is linked with an increased risk of insomnia, fatigue, and depression. The risk of these conditions was significantly directly proportional to the number of night shifts performed per month.

Night Shift Duty of Nurses and its Effects on Family and Social Lives

Background: The problem with a night shift working at that, the human race is diurnal, who are functions during day time. Night workers report a number of health problems. Therefore these negative effects have consequences not just for individual, but also for work place, as decreased alertness and reduced job performance that could endanger human lives and affect the quality of life. The assumption is that ergonomically designed shift schedules will assist in the reduction of physiological and psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Objective: This study was aimed to find out the factors influencing night shift of nurses working in Shahid Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Bogra Methods: A descriptive study was used in this study. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire and the data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: Here, 16% of the respondents felt discomfort during night shift. 66% they don’t get enough sleep after night duty. 60% of the respondents mentioned that night shift sometimes affects their attitude negatively. 70% stated that night shift sometimes affects their mood. 70% also stated that night shift sometimes disturbs their social life. 80% mentioned that night shift sometimes increases interpersonal conflict in their family. Conclusion: The findings revealed that the participated nurses were not comfortable with night shift at all. Night workers accumulate a sleep deficit and sleepy workers make mistakes. The most dangerous are those who build up a “sleep debt” depriving themselves of sleep over long periods.

Sleep behaviours and associated habits and the progression of pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

IntroductionCertain sleep behaviours increase risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the general population, but whether they contribute to the progression from pre-diabetes to T2DM is uncertain. We conducted a systematic review to assess this.MethodsStructured searches were performed on bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL) from inception to 26/04/2021 for longitudinal studies/trials consisting of adults⩾18 years with pre-diabetes and sleep behaviours (short or long sleep duration (SD), late chronotype, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea, daytime napping and/or night-shift employment) that reported on incident T2DM or glycaemic changes. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment.ResultsSix studies were included. Meta-analysis of three studies (n = 20,139) demonstrated that short SD was associated with greater risk of progression to T2DM, hazard ratio (HR) 1.59 (95% CI 1.29-1.97), I2 heterogeneity score 0%, p < 0.0001, but not for long SD, HR 1.50 (0.86–2.62), I2 heterogeneity 77%, p = 0.15. The systematic review showed insomnia and night-shift duty were associated with higher progression to T2DM. Studies were rated as moderate-to-high quality.ConclusionsProgression from pre-diabetes to T2DM increases with short SD, but only limited data exists for insomnia and night-shift duty. Whether manipulating sleep could reduce progression from pre-diabetes to T2DM needs to be examined.

Experiences of Sexual Harassment among Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Sexual harassment among nurses is a major issue of work place, health and safety that seriously affects patient care. It is more common among nurses. The aim of this study was to identify experiences of sexual harassment among nurses in a tertiary hospital.&#x0D; Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to find out the experience of sexual harassment among nurses. Two hundred and twenty-three, nurses working in a tertiary hospital were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through structured, self-administered questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Committee Institute of Medicine Kathmandu. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (version 16)&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the nurses was 29.6 (SD ± 7.4) years and 57.0% were married. Most of the nurses (85.2%) performed as roster basis in all shifts (rotation; morning, evening and night) duty and 15.2% of the nurses were from emergency ward. Median duration of work experience was 4.17 years (range= 6months to 31 years). Total 18.5% nurses had experienced some kinds of sexual harassment in their workplace. More than half (53.8%) each were harassed by doctors and visitors; 46.2% of the nurses were harassed in emergency/ general ward/ operation theatre; 30.8% were harassed at bed side; 38.5% were harassed in the evening shift and 66.7% were harassed when they are working alone. Likewise, 28.2% reported the incident of sexual harassment; 90.9% reported verbally and 89.7% suggested that hospital need to develop policy against sexual harassment. Nurses with night shift duty (100.0%), PCL/ B. Sc level of education (20.0%), unmarried (21.8%), staff nurse (201.7%), slim body (21.3%), fierce nature (33.3%) and beautiful looks (29.8%) were more frequently victimized but that was not statistically significant.&#x0D; Conclusions: Workplace sexual harassment is frequent among nurses working at tertiary hospital. However, reporting rate is very low due to fear of negative consequences and lack of knowledge about how and where to report. Proper policy, law and reporting mechanism should be developed to combat sexual harassment among nurses.

A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Domestic Violence among Married Women in Selected Village Derol, Bharuch

Women are important in our society we all know every women has own job or duty in this modern society but we can’t forget that women’s life is a lot more complicated than man’s life especially married women’s’. World Health Organization has defines domestic violence as “the range of sexually, psychologically, and physically coercive acts used against married by current or farmer male intimate partners or other family member”. Objectives:1. To assess the prevalence of domestic violence are among married women.2. To assess different forms of demographic variable and identify it’ s associated factors. Methods: A descriptive research design used in study simple random sample and technique was used for the present study 300 married woman was selected from Derol village. Result:71% of women undergone emotional violence from the husband and 13% women are suffering from physical violence and 15% are suffering from sexual violence. In this present study reveals that there is a significant association between Occupation of Wife, Education of Husband and wife and type of Marriage and domestic violence. There is the highly significant association between Habits of husband and Domestic violence. Conclusion: The Study concluded that Night shift duty and over workload among staff nurses have greatly influenced in the administration of medication. The stakeholders must review the workload of staff nurses within their hospital and rectify with a possible solution. The poor knowledge of nurses can be improved by continuing nursing education and an efficient induction programme will be reduce the medication error among the nurses.

Screening for respiratory morbidities and obstructive lung function among municipal waste handlers in Puducherry: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background:Waste management is a societal problem because of its environmental impact and public health implications. Solid waste handlers have a high incidence of occupational health issues, with respiratory morbidities being the most common. Aim: To assess the prevalence of respiratory morbidities, obstructive lung pattern and its associated factors among municipal solid waste management workers in Puducherry.Materials and Methods:This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in May and June 2018 among 264 solid waste management workers selected by simple random sampling. They underwent a semi-structured interview schedule capturing their sociodemographic characteristics, work profile, presence of respiratory symptoms, and morbidities followed by lung function tests using a portable spirometer. The data was entered using Epidata entry client and analyzed using SPSS (v16).Results:The mean age of the workers was 47.1 (±8.87) years. The majority were females (85.6%), working as waste collectors (86%) on day duty (73.5%). More than two in five workers had either respiratory morbidity (42.8%) or obstructive lung pattern (44%). Higher age, occupation as waste collector, night shift duty, not using face mask on duty, and not receiving training on waste handling were the factors significantly associated with the respiratory morbidities and obstructive lung function.Conclusion:The prevalence of respiratory morbidities and obstructive lung disease were high among municipal solid waste handlers. Measures are needed to improve the work environment of waste handlers by ensuring the availability of protective gears and adequate training on work handling based on ergonomic principles.

Library Personnel Reflections about Night Shift Performance on Attainment of Work-Life Balance in a Nigerian Mega City

This study explored the outcomes of, and adaptive strategies employed by library personnel in performing afternoon/nightshift in a mega-city like Lagos, Nigeria. The Maslach Burnout Theory was used as the explanation framework for burnout concepts such as; emotional exhaustion, cynicism, depersonalisation and individual accomplishment and other matters allied with longstanding, unsolved job-induced stress. The qualitative methodology guided by a phenomenological research paradigm, which is an approach that focuses on the commonality of real-life experiences in a particular group, was used. A focus group discussion among purposively selected library personnel was used as a method of data collection from staff who are involved in afternoon/nightshift. The participants were selected using convenience sampling technique in which all categories of staff in the cataloguing unit involved in nightshift were included in the sample because of their representative characteristics. The phenomenological approach was adopted in conducting the study to enable a deep elicitation of data for understanding the phenomena as it is reasonable and from a broad interpretation of perspectives drawn from individual experiences. The questions posed were meant to shed light on issues relating to the participants' maintenance of a work-life balance in-situ with performance of nightshift duties. The study discovered that library staff experience emotions of fear, insecurity, stress and financial strain over their involvement in the performance of nightshift duty at the University of Lagos library.

Effect of night duties on blood pressure of healthy female nursing staff

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide. 1.13 billion people world-wide are suffering from hypertension. Hypertension increases risk of Cardiac, central nervous system, and renal diseases. Staff engaged in shift duties, which disturbs their circadian rhythm, is more prone for non-communicable diseases. Hospitals employ more nightshift workers than any other industry which may be a cause of health hazard in hospital workers. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of night shift and day shift duties on blood pressure (BP). Materials and Methods: An evaluation study with 35 healthy female nurses is undertaken to study the changes and correlation of BP in day and night shift. Healthy female nurses of age group 20–30 years, working on shift basis in Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru, were chosen considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected subject’s anthropometric measurements were taken to calculate body mass index. BP was recorded every day morning for 5 days as soon as their night shift is done and BP was recorded again on same subject during evening times at the end of their day shift. Both the readings were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean systolic BP and diastolic BP were statistically high after a night shift duty when compared to their BP after day shift duty with P < 0.001. Conclusion: Our study has shown a correlation of elevated BP with night shift duties in female nurses. This could be a predisposing factor for development of hypertension in the later stage. To reduce this impact on night shift workers, duties of the nurses can be spaced well with organized intervals between day and night duties.

Blood pressure variation in night shift male security guards in north Kerala

Background: In modern society, people have lost the classical 7 am–6 pm day work and nighttime sleep cycle. A huge working population is engaged in night shift, part-time work, weekend work, being on-call all the time, prolonged duty periods (12–24 h at a stretch), etc. Apart from the nature of the work, working time or work shift is a key issue that impacts human health. Aim and Objective: The objective of this study was to study the effect of night shift work on blood pressure (BP). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 200 security guards from north Kerala, who were divided into two groups based on the night and day shift duty. BP was measured using a sphygmomanometer (mercury). Results: The mean (± SD) systolic BP (SBP) in day shift security guards was 127.28 ± 9.417 and in night shift security guards was 131.08 ± 10.469. The mean (± SD) Diastolic BP (DBP) in day shift security guards was 80.68 ± 4.218 and in night shift security guards was 82.08 ± 3.792. Conclusion: We found a significant increase in SBP and DBP in night shift security guards compared to day shift security guards.

Association of postprandial triglyceride responses with insulin resistance among rotational night shift healthcare workers.

What is the central question of this study? Does long-term rotational night shift work among healthcare workers alter postprandial triglyceride metabolism, and are the postprandial triglyceride responses associated with insulin resistance? What is the main finding and its importance? Rotational night shift duties in healthcare workers might have a negative impact on postprandial triglyceride responses and insulin sensitivity. This is the first study in which postprandial triglyceride responses among shift workers exposed to long-term night shifts have been studied. Studies on the postprandial period demonstrate that in experimental conditions, abrupt or acute changes in sleep timing and work are followed by significantly altered postprandial glucose, insulin secretion and lipid tolerance. Whether shift work results in altered postprandial triglyceride (PPTG) metabolism in the long term is not known. In the present study, we aimed to ascertain the association between PPTG and shift work in relationship to cardiometabolic risks and to compare the PPTG response among healthcare workers with and without night shift duties. Twenty healthcare workers with rotational night shifts (group2) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthcare workers who had not done night shift duty in the past 1year or ever (group1) were recruited. Only subjects with normal glucose tolerance were recruited. A standardized fat challenge test was done in all study subjects. The postprandial triglyceride area under the curve (PPTG AUC) showed overall (n=40) a significant positive correlation with fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r=0.40, P=0.01 and r=0.37, P=0.01, respectively) and in group2 (r=0.49, P=0.02 and r=0.44, P=0.042, respectively). The PPTG peak also showed a significant positive correlation with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in group2 (r=0.52, P=0.01 and r=0.47, P=0.03, respectively). No significant correlation was found in group1. The PPTG AUC and PPTG peak were, however, comparable between both groups. The findings of this pilot study suggest that rotational night shift duties in healthcare workers might have a negative impact on metabolic parameters, including postprandial triglyceride responses and insulin sensitivity.

Effect of sleep deprivation on heart rate recovery after treadmill testing in otherwise healthy young adults

Background: Insufficient sleep has been shown to be associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and overall mortality. Sleep deprivation can affect the cardiovascular autonomic control leading to sympathovagal imbalance. Aims and Objectives: This study was conceptualized to evaluate the effect of sleep deprivation on heart rate recovery (HRR) after treadmill exercise test in otherwise healthy adult subjects. Materials and Methods: The study included 50 healthy young adults in the age group of 18–35 years. The study subjects were divided into two groups of 25 each. Group 1 included subjects doing daytime duty. Group 2 included subjects who had completed their night shift duty. A maximal symptom-limited exercise stress test was performed by each subject in both the groups. The HRR was calculated as the reduction in HR from peak exercise to the 30th s (HRR 30), 1st min (HRR 1), 2nd min (HRR 2), 3rd min (HRR 3), and 5th min (HRR 5). Results: Subjects with sleep deprivation achieved a significantly lower level of the maximum HR at the peak of exercise stress test than the subjects with normal sleep (P < 0.05). HRR at 30 s (HRR 30 s) and 1 min (HRR 1) was found to be significantly lower in sleep-deprived subjects as compared to subjects taking normal sleep (P < 0.01). Conclusion: HRR after 1 min of exercise stress testing was significantly affected by sleep deprivation. This is explained by the effect of sleep deprivation on the cardiovascular autonomic control.

Effect of sleep deprivation after a night shift duty on simulated crisis management by residents in anaesthesia. A randomised crossover study

BackgroundSleep deprivation has been associated with an increased incidence of medical errors and can jeopardise patients’ safety during medical crisis management. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of sleep deprivation on the management of simulated anaesthesia crisis by residents in anaesthesiology. MethodsA randomised, comparative, monocentric crossover study involving 48 residents in anaesthesia was performed on a high fidelity patient simulator. Each resident was evaluated in a sleep-deprived state (deprived group, after a night shift duty) and control state (control group, after a night of sleep). Performance was assessed through points obtained during crisis scenario 1 (oesophageal intubation followed by anaphylactic shock) and scenario 2 (anaesthesia-related bronchospasm followed by ventricular tachycardia). Sleep periods were recorded by actigraphy. Two independent observers assessed the performances. The primary endpoint of the study was the score obtained for each scenario. ResultsResident's crisis management performance is associated with sleep deprivation (scenario 1: control=39 [33–42] points vs. deprived=26 [19–40] points, P=0.02; scenario 2: control=21 [17–24] vs. deprived=14 [12–19], P=0.01). The main errors observed were: error in drug administration and dose, delay in identification of hypotension, and missing communication with the surgical team about situation. ConclusionsThe present study showed that sleep deprivation is associated with impairment of performance to manage crisis situations by residents in anaesthesia.

Appraisal of the Preparedness of Midwives and Nurses in Bahrain to Conduct Early Screening for Zika Virus Infection in Pregnant Women.

To appraise the awareness and knowledge levels of midwives and nurses concerning early screening for Zika virus (ZIKV) infection among pregnant women attending health care facilities in Bahrain. This was a cross-sectional, purposely chosen study of Bahraini and expatriate midwives, nurses, and supervisors employed in gynecology/obstetrics and labor wards of Salmanya hospital, a maternity hospital, 4 private hospitals, and health centers in Bahrain. The chosen individuals were invited to participate in a survey on awareness and knowledge of early screening for ZIKV infection. Of 266 midwives and nurses employed in the study sites, 170 (64%) consented to participate in the study. Of those who agreed to participate, 76 were midwives and 94 were nurses. Admittedly, 39% of midwives and nurses were unaware of ZIKV infection. The grand mean knowledge score in the study was 39%. Expatriate midwives and nurses scored better than did Bahrainis (P<0.001). The grand mean knowledge scores of evening and night shift duty participants were significantly higher than those of the day duty participants. The awareness and knowledge scores of midwives and nurses concerning ZIKV infection were inadequate, which supported our hypothesis. By harnessing modern technology and support systems, lifelong learning can be used as a means to enhance preparedness for public health crises such as ZIKV. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:7-13).

Characteristics of Nurses in Japanese Hospitals Who Detect Errors of One-self and Others

Background: Nurses who often detect errors in medical practice are highly esteemed for their capacity to prevent medical accidents. However, information on particular characteristics of such nurses is limited at this time. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of nurses who are able to detect errors during medical practice, both their own and those of others. Methods: Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to 2908 nurses in 11 Japanese hospitals whose working career was three years and longer to collect information regarding experiences in detecting errors of one’s own making and errors of others during medical practice, the actual experiences of making errors, social skills, a safety climate in the wards, and general characteristics of the participants. The valid response rate was 64.0 %. Principal component analysis was used to form composite measures using a smaller set of error experiences (clinical errors). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors related to experiences in detecting errors. Results: Of the participants, 77.4% had experienced detecting their own errors, and 84.1% had experienced detecting errors of others. Significant factors related to the experience of detecting one’s own errors were: having experienced their own errors detected by others, clinical errors, feedback and communication about errors, and a medical accident. Significant factors related to the experience of detecting errors of others were: the experience of having their own errors detected by others, experience of detecting one’s own errors, communication openness, night shift duty, experience as a safety committee member, and planning skills. Conclusion: Experiencing errors plays a role in detecting future errors of one’s own making and of others. Adequate feedback is preferable for detecting one’s own errors. Open communication in the ward is recommended for detecting errors of others, as one facet of medical safety control.

Visual evoked potential changes among security guards of Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital, Surat

Background: Sleep interruption and disturbance of circadian rhythm are inevitable phenomena among night shift workers. A very few evidence is available that describing effects of sleep disturbance and its effect on the visual pathway by measuring the visual evoke potential parameters. Aims and Objectives: To study the change in visual evoked potential (VEP) due to disturbance of circadian rhythm among rotating shift workers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 80 security guards of 20-40 years of age working in Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital of Surat. They were divided into two groups comprising of 40 participants. Group 1 comprised of 40 security guards who did rotating night shift for more than 6 months and Group 2 include 40 security guards who did not perform any night shift duty for the past 2 years. VEP test was done, and results of both groups were compared with each other. Result: The result showed that there was statistically significant (P 0.05). Pearson correlation revealed, as the head circumference increases, latency of VEP increases, and amplitude decreases. Conclusion: Alteration in circadian rhythm affected the parameters of VEP in a negative way. In long-term, it may impair their general health. Furthermore, further study is required to support this conclusion.

A Combined Field and Laboratory Design for Assessing the Impact of Night Shift Work on Police Officer Operational Performance

This study assessed the utility of a combined field and laboratory research design for measuring the impact of consecutive night shift work on the sleepiness, vigilance, and driving performance of police patrol officers. For police patrol officers working their normal night shift duty cycles, simulated driving performance and psychomotor vigilance were measured in a laboratory on two separate occasions: in the morning after the last of five consecutive 10.7-h night shifts, and at the same time in the morning after three consecutive days off duty. Order of participation in conditions was randomized among subjects. Subjects experienced manipulation of sleep schedules due to working night shifts in a real operational environment, but performance testing was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. N = 29 active-duty police patrol officers (27 male, 2 female; age 37.1 ± 6.3 years) working night shift schedules participated in this study. Simulated driving performance, psychomotor vigilance, and subjective sleepiness were significantly degraded following 5 consecutive night shifts as compared to 3 consecutive days off duty, indicating that active-duty police officers are susceptible to performance degradation as a consequence of working nights. This combined field and laboratory research design succeeded in bridging the gap between the realism of the operational environment and the control of laboratory performance testing, demonstrating that this is a useful approach for addressing the relationship between shift work induced fatigue and critical operational task performance.

Occupational exposures and spontaneous abortion: Lawson et al

360 American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology This month, Journal Club members discussed a nested retrospective cohort analysis of women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study II, a prospective cohort study of 116,430 US nurses. This study, which has been in progress since 1989, evaluates the influence of a number of variables on health outcomes. Upon enrollment, the women, who ranged in age from 25–42 years and represented 14 states, completed mailed questionnaires that asked about their medical and reproductive histories. Follow-up questionnaires are sent every 2 years. In 2001, all participants were mailed a questionnaire that inquired whether they had experienced at least 1 pregnancy since 1993 and whether they were actively employed as a nurseduringthemost recentof thosepregnancies. If so, they were eligible to participate in the nested study. The women who agreed to participate and completed a supplemental questionnaire investigating occupational activities and exposures during that pregnancy make up the study population. The authors examined 5 potential occupational exposures: anesthetic gases, anticancer drugs, antiviral drugs, sterilizing agents, and x-ray radiation. In addition, data on lifestyle characteristics, such as night-shift duty, heavy lifting, alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, and smoking, were collected. Exposure was classified as “yes” for any exposure of 1 hour per day or more. The authors assessed the risk for spontaneous abortion according to history of exposure.

Health Effects Of Night Shift Duty On Nurses In A University Teaching Hospital In Benin City, Nigeria

This study is aimed at identifying the effects of night shift duty on the health and wellbeing of nurses in order to make recommendations on ways of ameliorating them. The study was ofa cross sectional descriptive type using a total sample of nurses in the hospital. Data collection was by means of a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire and the analysis by the computer Programme for Epidemiologists (PEPI). The response rate was 79.3% with a total of 211 (68.1%) having one or more health complaints, which included muscle ache and pains (58.7%), frequent headaches (21.9%), lack of concentration (21.3%) and a negative effect on social life (66.1%). The younger nurses disliked night shift more than the older ones (2 = 57.5, df=6, p = 0.000) and 57.7% felt they were less productive during night shift. The shorter the period of sleep after the night shift, the lesser the level of productivity and the more the manifestation of health symptoms (2 = 45.5, df = 4, p = 0.000 and 2 = 29.0, df = 2, p = 0.000 respectively). Night shift duty caused both medical and psychological problems on the nurses. There is a need for medical surveillance, educational programme and the application of sleep hygiene techniques for shift working nurses.

Physicians work hours: desperately seeking evidence

Physicians work hours: desperately seeking evidence