JPM, Vol. 13, Pages 627: Influence of Shift Work on The Health of Nursing Professionals

JPM, Vol. 13, Pages 627: Influence of Shift Work on The Health of Nursing Professionals

Journal of Personalized Medicine doi: 10.3390/jpm13040627

Authors: Pablo Roman Isabel Perez-Cayuela Esther Gil-Hernández Miguel Rodriguez-Arrastia Adrian Aparicio-Mota Carmen Ropero-Padilla Lola Rueda-Ruzafa

Shift work is increasingly common in health services, subjecting healthcare professionals to work schedules that can alter circadian rhythms and eating habits with consequent repercussions for the intestinal homeostasis. The objective of this study was to describe the relationship of rotating work shifts with the intestinal health, sleep quality, and emotional dimension of nursing professionals. In March and May 2019, an observational and comparative study was conducted among 380 nursing professionals from different Spanish cities and divided into fixed shift (n = 159) and rotating shift (n = 221). To carry out the present work, the variables measured were gastrointestinal symptoms, stool consistency and shape, anxiety, depression, sleep, as well as stress and work environment. Nurses with rotating shifts reported more abdominal pain and symptoms of depersonalization, as well as worse sleep efficiency and worse nursing practice environment. In addition, overall scores of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were found to be significantly worse in nurses with these shifts. Rotating shift work by nursing staff may be associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal and anxiety-related symptoms. These findings, together with the presence of negative and insensitive attitudes towards patients by nurses on rotating shifts, should be considered to maintain the quality of healthcare.