Psychological Correlates of Shift Work Sleep Disorder Among a Sample of Egyptian Nurses

Introduction: The present study investigates the psychological consequences of shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) in a sample of Egyptian nurses. Participants and methods: All participants (N = 150) reported their personal and work data. Some items were selected from the Standard Shiftwork Index (SSI). Participants answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) questionnaire. The shift work group were allocated to either the high or low risk group based on classification using the SWSD questionnaire. Results: The high risk group showed higher percentages of career breaks, weight gain, health problems and medication administration as evidenced by the SSI, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization as evidenced by the MBI. Total HADS scores were higher and sleep quality much poorer. Conclusions: Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) affects the well-being of shift work nurses and can lead to various health-related difficulties, which have personal, societal, and public health ramifications. When designing shift schedules, management should take these factors into consideration to decrease the burden caused by shift work.