The Effect of Shift Work on the Overall Health Status of Hospital

Abstract

Background: Shift work, particularly common in the nursing profession, is associated with numerous health risks for workers, including physical, psychological, and social well-being concerns. Nurses, who often work irregular hours, including night shifts, are vulnerable to stress, sleep disturbances, and various health issues. Previous research has shown that shift work negatively impacts health outcomes such as gastrointestinal disturbances, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular health. This study aims to evaluate the effect of shift work on the overall health status of hospital-employed nursing staff.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 157 nursing professionals. Participants were divided into two groups: 80 shift workers (12-hour day shifts, 12-hour night shifts) and 77 workers on a regular 7-hour daily schedule. Data were collected using the Standard Shiftwork Index (SSI) questionnaire, supplemented with subscales for gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health. The questionnaire addressed symptoms of common diseases and medical history, with responses rated on a four-point scale. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS, including independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests.
Results: Shift workers reported significantly more gastrointestinal symptoms, including appetite loss, nausea, heartburn, and weight gain compared to those working regular shifts. The shift work group also experienced higher overall digestive disturbances (M=11.30 vs. M=9.40, p<0.001) and had a higher incidence of varicose veins and headaches. However, no significant differences were observed in cardiovascular health between the two groups. A significant correlation was found between years of service and health burden in those working regular shifts, but not in shift workers.
Conclusion: Shift work is a significant risk factor for gastrointestinal issues and metabolic disturbances, especially weight gain, among nursing staff. The study highlights the need for interventions to address the physical and psychological challenges of shift work. Further research is needed to standardize methodologies and explore the impact of shift work rotation patterns, duration, and frequency to better understand its health implications and develop effective preventive strategies.