Standard Shiftwork Index Research Articles

Assessment of sleep quality, fatigue and its association with occupational injuries among shift workers in an electronic industrial environment

Objectives. This study explores the association between sleep quality, cumulative fatigue and occupational injuries among shift workers in Pakistan’s manufacturing industries. Methods. The study surveyed 200 shift workers using a self-administered questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and fatigue with the standard shiftwork index (SSI). Statistical analyses included t tests, χ 2 tests and logistic regression. Results. Night shift employees had higher odds of occupational injuries (odds ratio [OR] 3.591, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.079, 11.944], p = 0.037) compared to day shift workers. Cumulative fatigue (OR 3.044, 95% CI [1.145, 8.089], p = 0.026) and PSQI global score (OR 1.249, 95% CI [1.002, 1.556], p = 0.048) also indicated an increased injury risk. Conclusion. Night shift workers experienced poorer sleep quality, higher fatigue and increased injuries than day shift workers. Employers should implement artificial intelligence to detect and manage fatigue, set strategic shift schedules for maximum sleep opportunities and train workers to improve sleep quality.

Sleep Disturbance and Occupational Fatigue in Emergency Nurses of Public Hospitals in Greece: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The emergency department (ED) is a stressful workplace for nurses, due to heavy workload and work shifts, which affect sleep quality, causing occupational fatigue. As a result, nurses burn out and turn over and quality of care is impaired. The aim of this study was to investigate sleep disturbance (SD) and occupational fatigue (OF) in emergency nurses of public hospitals in Greece. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the ED of tertiary public hospitals in Greece from September 2019 to October 2021, after the approval from the scientific and ethical committee of hospitals and the full informed consent of participants. The Standard Shift work Index (SSI) questionnaire was used, which includes 12 question groups about sleep habits and OF evaluation for shift workers, as nurses. Two hundred and ten ED nurses were recruited for the purpose of the study. In this research their quality of life, sleep completeness, and fatigue levels were studied. A moderate level of SD (total score = 70.54) of nurses was found that was related to marital status, presence of children, and underlying diseases (p = 0.012, p = 0.024, and p = 0.002, respectively). OF was assessed at low levels (score = 27.34) and was mainly related to age, with younger nurses reporting less fatigue compared with older nurses. The effect of work shifts in SD and OF of ED nurses was well documented. ED nurses' OF was correlated with increased SD, age, and marital status. Further research is needed for a better assessment and understanding of the factors that influence SD and OF of ED nurses to plan a strategy to optimize sleep patterns of work shift ED nurses.

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

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.

An assessment of psychosocial and health risks associated with shift work in a South African manufacturing context

Shift work is a necessity to ensure continuous and optimized operations in different occupational scenarios. However, there are numerous adverse effects associated with working shifts. This study is aimed at evaluating the psychosocial and health risks associated with working shifts in a manufacturing context in South Africa (SA). A cross sectional design using a modified form of the validated Standard Shift Work Index (SSI) questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Most participants were considered to be in good health, however they reported health complaints relating to swollen feet, weight gain, loss of appetite and gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, participants reported that their domestic lives were somewhat affected (45%) and their social lives were adversely affected (47%) by working shifts. Shift work experience (11 to 20 years) was also found to be significantly associated with more time for both social (OR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.03; 0.30) and domestic activities (OR= 0.25; 95% CI = 0.11; 0.57; p < 0.05) compared to those with less experience. This may be attributed to the healthy worker survivor effect; it is likely that shift workers with longer working experience have developed practical coping strategies to mitigate some of the problems related to shift work.
 Keywords: Shift work; health effects; psychosocial effects; disorders

The relationships between coping styles and food intake in shiftworking nurses and midwives: a pilot study.

Shiftworkers are more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal disease and Type 2 Diabetes than the general population, likely due to their altered dietary intakes. Previous research has suggested that coping strategies and health behaviours may be linked, however, questions remain regarding these relationships in shiftworking populations. The Standard Shiftwork Index and Food Frequency Questionnaire were completed by nurses/midwives working forward rotating shifts (N=27, female=24, age=38.4 ± 13.1 y). Greater engaged coping strategy usage was associated with lower total energy, fat, carbohydrate and sugar intake (ρs>−0.1). Greater disengaged coping strategy usage was associated with greater intake of these nutrients (ρs>0.1). Results suggest that engaged coping strategies may contribute to healthier dietary choices. A greater focus on coping styles, particularly during nursing education, may improve shiftworkers’ health.

Assessment of Impact of Shift Work on Health among Staff Nurses at SRM General Hospital, Kattankulathur

Objective: The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of shift work on health among staffnurse and to associate the level of impact of shift work on health with the selected demographic variablesamong staff nurses.Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional research design and Quantitative approach was used to assessthe impact of shift work on health among staff nurses. The study was conducted at SRM General Hospital,Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram district .Samples were selected by non-probability purposive samplingtechnique. Sample includes 100 staff nurses who were working at SRM general hospital and fulfil theinclusion criteria The tool used for data collection was the “modified version of Standard Shift work Index”. It comprises of two sections: Section –A includes Structured questionnaire to elicit demographic variablessuch as Age, gender, religion, qualification, duration of work, year of experience. Section –B includesStructured questionnaire to assess the impact of shift work on health. Likert scale rating was used to evaluatethe level of impact of shift work on health .Results : The present study findings revealed that the majority of 79% of staff nurses had moderate impactof shift work on health. 20% had less impact,1% had severe impact and none of them had very less impactof shift work on health. There was no significant association between the demographic variables and levelof impact of shift work on health among staff nurses.Conclusion :There was moderate impact of shift work on health among staff nurses and there was nosignificant association between the demographic variables and level of impact of shift work on health amongstaff nurses. Nurses involved in shift work are at risk for decreased health and poor job performance. Theirneeds should be identified and in service education should be frequently conducted in the hospital in orderto ensure that the staff nurses maintain healthy life style.

Psychological Aid to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mental Health Response to Crises Management.

Catastrophic Pandemics have been adversely impacted the globe throughout human history. As a consequence psychiatrist, psychologist and mental health practitioners performed their role to mitigate the adverse impacts through its scientific and clinical lenses. It was observed that due to advance nature of COVI-19 pandemic, more advance approach of psychological aid is required. This work gives an overview of the multi-dimensional and trans-disciplinary techniques, which can be helpful to cope up with the crises that emerged from the threat of COVID-19 Outbreak for victims, survivors, health care practitioners and community.

Sleep hygiene in paramedics: What do they know and what do they do?

ObjectivesShift workers routinely obtain inadequate sleep, which has major health and wellbeing consequences. Sleep hygiene describes a range of behaviours, lifestyle and environmental factors that can support optimal sleep. To date, limited research has examined sleep hygiene in shift workers. This study aimed to 1) assess the knowledge and understanding of sleep hygiene amongst shift working paramedics, as well as its perceived impact on sleep, and 2) investigate paramedics' engagement with sleep hygiene practices. Study DesignParticipants completed an online, cross-sectional survey. ParticipantsQueensland Ambulance Service paramedics (n = 184) who engage in shift work. MeasuresThe online survey included questions from the Standard Shiftwork Index and Sleep Hygiene Index. ResultsMost participants reported little or no understanding or knowledge of ‘sleep hygiene’ as a concept. Participants reported that sleep scheduling and bedroom environment (temperature, light, and noise) were the most impactful on sleep. Few participants reported nicotine and alcohol consumption, or daytime napping, whereas caffeine consumption and mentally-stimulating bedtime activities were more common. Participants who were young, single, and worked varying shift types (day, afternoon, and night) as part of their regular rosters demonstrated less knowledge regarding sleep hygiene, and were more likely to be exhibiting poor sleep hygiene engagement. ConclusionsParamedics demonstrated a limited level of understanding of sleep hygiene as a concept, and varied knowledge about the impacts of individual sleep hygiene factors. Further, paramedics demonstrated varied engagement with individual sleep hygiene practices. Future research should focus on the development of sleep hygiene interventions to optimise sleep in paramedics.

Associations between shift type, sleep, mood, and diet in a group of shift working nurses.

Objectives Unhealthy dietary profiles contribute to the elevated risk of chronic diseases for shift workers. There has been limited investigation into factors associated both with shift work and diet, such as sleep and mood, that may further influence food intake among shift workers. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between shift work, sleep, mood, and diet. Methods Shift working nurses [N=52; 46 female; age: mean 39.8 (SD 12.4) years] participated in a 14-day, repeated measures, within- and between-subjects design study. Analyses included data from 40 nurses over 181 shifts. Food diaries were completed for a minimum of three days per shift type (morning, afternoon, night). Foodworks nutrition software was used to determine energy intake in kilojoules and macronutrient intake (as a percentage of total energy intake). Mood (happiness, anxiety, depressive mood, stress, and tiredness) was measured using visual analog scales. Sleep was estimated using actigraphy. Demographic and work-related variables (covariates) were measured using a modified version of the Standard Shiftwork Index. A path analysis was conducted using generalized structural equation modelling with a random effect of participant ID. Predictors were selected using purposive selection of covariates (an alternative to stepwise modelling) and final models included important predictors only. Results Compared to night and morning shifts, results showed that working an afternoon shift was associated with a lower energy intake (β= -1659.4, P<0.01) and lower levels of stress (β= -5.6, P<0.01). Higher levels of stress were associated with a higher energy intake (β=35.3, P<0.01) and a higher percentage of fat (ß=0.1, P=0.05) and saturated fat (β=0.1, P<0.01). Compared to the other shift types, morning shift was associated with lower carbohydrates (β= -4.3, P<0.01) and night shift was associated with lower protein (β= -2.7, P=0.03). Lower sleep efficiency was associated with a higher carbohydrate intake (β= -0.4, P<0.01) and a lower protein intake (β=0.25, P<0.01) Conclusions Results suggest that compared to nights and mornings, afternoon shifts were associated with reduced energy consumption. Negative mood (stress, depression, and anxiety) mediated the association between shift type and energy intake. Negative mood was also associated with higher fat intake. Dietary interventions for shift workers should consider the role of mood as well as shift type.

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

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.

An Exploration of Shift Work, Fatigue, and Gender Among Police Officers: The BCOPS Study.

The present study examined the association between shift work and fatigue among male ( n = 230) and female ( n = 78) police officers. A 15-year work history database was used to define dominant shifts as day, afternoon, or night. A 10-item questionnaire created from the Standard Shiftwork Index (SSI) assessed fatigue. Gender-stratified analyses of variance and covariance and Poisson regression were used to compare means and prevalence of individual items across shifts. No significant differences in total fatigue scores were observed across shifts. However, the prevalence of the fatigue item "feelings of tiredness" was 89% higher among male officers working the afternoon shift compared with officers working the day shift (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.12, 3.23], p = .020), after adjustment for covariates. Women reported a lower prevalence of tiredness than men on the afternoon shift. Organizations with afternoon shift workers should consider reducing fatigue at work through education and other methods.

A Comparative Study of Shift Work Effects and Injuries among Nurses Working in Rotating Night and Day Shifts in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India.

Background:Shift work can have an impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the healthcare worker, affecting patients as well as their own safety at the workplace. This study was conducted to compare the health outcomes and injuries, along with associated risk factors between the nurses working in rotating night shift (RNS) as compared to day shift (DS) only.Materials and Methods:It was a cross-sectional study conducted from June to November 2016 in a tertiary care hospital of Delhi. It involved 275 nurses working in RNS and 275 nurses from DS of various departments, selected through simple random sampling. Standard Shift Work Index Questionnaire (SSI) was used as the study instrument, with selected variables (according to objectives of the study). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, t-test, and multivariate regression.Results:Female nurses had more sleep disturbance, fatigue, and poor psychological health. Working on a contractual basis, RNS, and living outside the hospital campus were associated with higher odds of having needle stick injury (NSI). The nurses working in RNSs were found to have significantly lower mean scores in job satisfaction (p = 0.04), sleep (p < 0.001), and psychological well-being (p = 0.047) as compared to DS workers.Conclusions:Health outcomes among nurses working in RNSs call for the interventions, focused on various factors which can be modified to provide supportive and safer working environment.

Changing the shift system in a mining company: An intervention study

AbstractThe aim of this study is to determine the shift system that allows for sustainable time management, considering the characteristics of the mining company analyzed. Regarding the methodology, the Standard Shiftwork Index was used to characterize the workers perceptions of the shift system. In order to increase the chances of changing the shift system, the Besiak method of shifts was applied to the following: modified 4 × 4 (current shift); 6 × 6 modified and 7 × 7. Furthermore, with input from company representatives, the method seeks to jointly identify the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the different shift systems. The main results show that the level in which the shift system (modified 4 × 4) interferes with leisure, social, and domestic life is associated with the city of residence. The application of Besiak concluded that the order of the highest risk to the lowest risk is as follows: 7 × 7, modified 6 × 6, and modified 4 × 4. Once the 7 × 7 shift work was discarded, a second level of analysis was performed between the two remaining shift work systems. Both have strengths, but the worker's place of residence on the days off became the determining factor. Hence, the 6 × 6 modified model met the biopsychosocial factors and favored residence in other cities during the days off. Finally, it was clear that during the shift system change, it is very important to involve workers, labor unions, and managers in the process of designing and introducing a new shift system.

Shift schedule, work-family relationships, marital communication, job satisfaction and health among transport service shift workers.

Existing research has documented that shiftwork consequences may depend on the shift system parameters. Fast rotating systems (1-3 shifts of the same kind in a row) and day work have been found to be less disruptive biologically and socially than slower rotating systems and afternoon and night work. The aim of this study was to compare day workers and shift workers of different systems in terms of rotation speed and shifts worked with regard to work-family and family-work positive and negative spillover, marital communication style, job satisfaction and health. Employees (N = 168) of the maintenance workshops of transportation service working different shift systems (day shift, weekly rotating 2 and 3‑shift system, and fast rotating 3-shift system) participated in the study. They completed the Work- Family Spillover Questionnaire, Marital Communication Questionnaire, Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Physical Health Questionnaire (a part of the Standard Shiftwork Index). The workers of quicker rotating 3-shift systems reported significantly higher scores of family-to-work facilitation (F(3, 165) = 4.175, p = 0.007) and a higher level of constructive style of marital communication (Engagement F(3, 165) = 2.761, p = 0.044) than the workers of slower rotating 2-shift systems. There were no differences between the groups of workers with regard to health and job satisfaction. A higher level of work-family facilitation and a more constructive style of marital communication were found among the workers of faster rotating 3-shift system when compared to the workers of a slower rotating 2-shift system (afternoon, night). This may indicate that the fast rotating shift system in contrary to the slower rotating one is more friendly for the work and family domains and for the relationship between them. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(1):121-131.

Sleep Duration and Chronic Fatigue Are Differently Associated with the Dietary Profile of Shift Workers.

Shift work has been associated with dietary changes. This study examined factors associated with the dietary profiles of shift workers from several industries (n = 118, 57 male; age = 43.4 ± 9.9 years) employed on permanent mornings, nights, or rotating 8-h or 12-h shifts. The dietary profile was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Shift-related (e.g., sleep duration and fatigue), work-related (e.g., industry), and demographic factors (e.g., BMI) were measured using a modified version of the Standard Shift work Index. Mean daily energy intake was 8628 ± 3161 kJ. As a percentage of daily energy intake, all workers reported lower than recommended levels of carbohydrate (CHO, 45%–65%). Protein was within recommended levels (15%–25%). Permanent night workers were the only group to report higher than recommended fat intake (20%–35%). However, all workers reported higher than recommended levels of saturated fat (>10%) with those on permanent nights reporting significantly higher levels than other groups (Mean = 15.5% ± 3.1%, p < 0.05). Shorter sleep durations and decreased fatigue were associated with higher CHO intake (p ≤ 0.05) whereas increased fatigue and longer sleep durations were associated with higher intake of fat (p ≤ 0.05). Findings demonstrate sleep duration, fatigue, and shift schedule are associated with the dietary profile of shift workers.

The impact of shift work on the psychological and physical health of nurses in a general hospital: a comparison between rotating night shifts and day shifts.

BackgroundShift work is considered necessary to ensure continuity of care in hospitals and residential facilities. In particular, the night shift is one of the most frequent reasons for the disruption of circadian rhythms, causing significant alterations of sleep and biological functions that can affect physical and psychological well-being and negatively impact work performance.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to highlight if shift work with nights, as compared with day work only, is associated with risk factors predisposing nurses to poorer health conditions and lower job satisfaction.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015 in 17 wards of a general hospital and a residential facility of a northern Italian city. This study involved 213 nurses working in rotating night shifts and 65 in day shifts. The instrument used for data collection was the “Standard Shift Work Index,” validated in Italian. Data were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe response rate was 86%. The nurses engaged in rotating night shifts were statistically significantly younger, more frequently single, and had Bachelors and Masters degrees in nursing. They reported the lowest mean score in the items of job satisfaction, quality and quantity of sleep, with more frequent chronic fatigue, psychological, and cardiovascular symptoms in comparison with the day shift workers, in a statistically significant way.ConclusionOur results suggest that nurses with rotating night schedule need special attention due to the higher risk for both job dissatisfaction and undesirable health effects.

Sleep patterns among shift-working flight controllers of the International Space Station: an observational study on the JAXA Flight Control Team.

BackgroundFlight controllers of the International Space Station (ISS) are engaged in shift work to provide 24-h coverage to support ISS systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) among Japanese ISS flight controllers.MethodsA questionnaire study was conducted using the Standard Shiftwork Index to evaluate sleep-related problems and possible associated variables. Among 52 respondents out of 73 flight controllers, 30 subjects were identified as night shift workers who worked 3 or more night shifts per month. Those night shift workers who answered “almost always” to questions about experiencing insomnia or excessive sleepiness in any case of work shifts and days off were classified as having SWSD. Additionally, 7 night shift workers participated in supplemental wrist actigraphy data collection for 7 to 8 days including 3 to 4 days of consecutive night shifts.ResultsFourteen of 30 night shift workers were classified as having SWSD. Significant group differences were observed where the SWSD group felt that night shift work was harder and reported more frequent insomniac symptoms after a night shift. However, no other variables demonstrated remarkable differences between groups. Actigraphy results characterized 5 subjects reporting better perceived adaptation as having regular daytime sleep, for 6 to 9 h in total, between consecutive night shifts. On the other hand, 2 subjects reporting perceived maladaptation revealed different sleep patterns, with longer daytime sleep and large day-to-day variation in daytime sleep between consecutive night shifts, respectively.ConclusionsAs the tasks for flight control require high levels of alertness and cognitive function, several characteristics, namely shift-working schedule (2 to 4 consecutive night shifts), very short break time (5 to 10 min/h) during work shifts, and cooperative work with onboard astronauts during the evening/night shift, accounted for increasing workloads especially in the case of night shifts, resulting in higher or equal prevalence of SWSD to that among other shift-working populations. Further studies are required to collect more actigraphy data and examine the possibility of interventions to improve SWSD.

Sleep Patterns of Emergency Department Nurses on Workdays and Days Off.

Shift workers, particularly night workers, are prone to disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep deprivation resulting in fatigue and sleepiness, thereby endangering patient safety. Little is known about the sleep patterns of emergency nurses who work highly variable around-the-clock schedules to meet the demands of fluctuating patient census and acuities throughout the 24-hour period. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether there are shift-related sleep pattern differences in emergency department nurses over seven consecutive 24-hour periods that include both workdays and days off. A New Jersey mailing list (1514 members) was rented from the Emergency Nurses' Association. Three hundred on this list were systematically sampled and invited by mail to participate. The final sample consisted of 35 emergency nurses. Participants wore actigraphs for 24 hours each day for 7 days and completed sleep diaries upon awakening from their daily main sleep periods. Queries included caffeine and hypnotics usage. The nurses also completed the Standard Shiftwork Index General Biographical Information Section for demographic and scheduling data. Participants received a $50 honorarium upon completion of the protocol. The actigraph data were downloaded into a personal computer using Act Millennium and analyzed with Action W software (Ambulatory Monitoring, Inc., Ardsley, NY, USA). Sleep durations ranged from 6.6 to 8.1 hours on workdays and from 6.2 to 8.1 hours on days off. There were no significant shift- or workday-related differences in sleep patterns. However, trends indicated that, regardless of shift, workday sleep became more disturbed and less efficient toward the end of the week. Daily caffeine usage was reported by 85.9% of the sample. Shift working nurses need to obtain adequate and consistent sleep on workdays and days off throughout the work week to reduce fatigue and to provide safe patient care. Understanding the sleep patterns of emergency nurses and their schedules is critical to facilitating the development of shift-specific sleep promotion interventions to enhance sleep and thereby counteract fatigue.

Shift work disorder and related health problems among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital, Bangalore, South India.

Introduction:Shift Work Disorder (SWD) is a sleep disorder characterized by sleepiness and insomnia, which can be attributed to the person's work schedule. Awareness of the mechanisms behind shift work related health problems could be essential to schedule the shift work, employment routines, clinical treatment, and selection of employees.Objective:To assess the prevalence of SWD and to identify related health problems among nurses in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore.Materials and Methods:We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore between May and September 2014. Based on simple random sampling, 130 nurses were selected for the study. After obtaining written informed consent from the participants, structured interview schedule using Standard Shift Work Index and Bergen Shift Work Sleep Questionnaire (BSWSQ) was administered.Results:The mean age of the 130 nurses was 27.4 ± 2.64 years. The prevalence of SWD was found to be 43.07%. Headache, back pain, gastritis, and menstrual disorders were the most common complaints, which are found in 78 (60.0%), 75 (57.6%), 42 (32.3%), and 39 (30.0%) cases, respectively. Anxiety and depression was found in 23 (17.6%) and 31 (23.8%) individuals, respectively. We also found a significant association of SWD with increasing age, more number of nights worked in a year, and longer duration of working hours. According to the BSWSQ, 70 (53.8%) nurses were found to have sleep problems.Conclusion:A high prevalence of SWD symptoms calls for a focus on the antecedents of work related sleep problems and appropriate intervention, such as behavioral changes, clockwise rotating shifts, and treatment.

Alcohol use in shiftworkers

It has been suggested that shiftworkers may consume alcohol to help them sleep, resulting in greater consumption. A large study in Australian workers suggested that those on non-standard schedules (outside 8am–6pm, Monday–Friday) do not drink more, but are at increased odds of binge drinking (heavy periods of drinking followed by abstinence) than workers on standard schedules. However, differences in types of non-standard schedules were not examined in the study. The current study examined the alcohol intake of Australian shiftworkers on fixed and rotating shifts. Shiftworkers (n=118, age=43.4±9.9y, 68% male) on 12h-rotating (n=29), 8h-rotating (n=29), morning (n=33) and night (n=27) schedules from printing, postal, nursing and oil industries participated. They completed a Cancer Council Dietary Questionnaire, recording frequency and amount of alcohol consumed on average per day over the preceding year. They also completed a shortened Standard Shiftwork Index, including questions on shift schedule, sleep duration, tiredness, gender and age. Average alcohol consumption was 9.6±13.1 standard drinks/week. One in six reported using alcohol as a sleep aid between shifts at least sometimes and nearly one third reported consuming 12 or more drinks in 24h. Alcohol consumption was higher for males and decreased with age. Controlling for gender and age, there were no significant differences between shift types in standard drinks/week (p=0.50). However, those on 12-h rotating shifts consumed more drinks per 24h (p=0.04) and had less sleep (p<0.001). Results support the suggestion that shiftworkers are likely to binge drink, particularly younger, male workers and those on long, rotating shifts. Alcohol use in shiftworkers may put increased pressure on already vulnerable physiological systems.