The Association among Health Behaviors, Shift Work and Chronic Morbidity: A Cross-Sectional Study on Nurses Working in Full-Time Positions

Abstract

Background: Nurses are known to work in conditions of stress and physical overload. Health behaviors are modifiable factors that may reduce the adverse effects of work on general health. The present study examined health-related behaviors and their association with current night shift work and chronic morbidity among female nurses.Design and Method: Four hundred seventy-two female nurses (M ± SD = 44.28±7.14 years) self-reported their health habits, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and chronic disorders that required current treatment. Instruments used in the study consisted of an author-developed questionnaire and the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI). Reported diagnoses were classified as cardio-vascular, gastro-intestinal, malignant neoplastic, endocrine, or other.Results: The most common reported disorders were cardiovascular disorders (5.7% of nurses) followed by other (7.6%), endocrine (7.4%), gastro-intestinal (6.4%), and malignancy (0.2%). On average, health-related behaviors on the HBI were average (83.49 ± 14.33). Overweight and/or obesity (i.e., BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) were reported by 41.5% of nurses, 24.2% were current smokers, and 36% reported no recreational physical activity. The remaining 64% of nurses who performed physical activity did not report activity levels that met World Health Organization recommendations. Physical activity and HBI scores (total and subscales; i.e., positive attitude, preventive behaviors, proper dietary habits, health-related practices) were not associated with current night shift work or morbidity.Conclusion: Health-promoting programs are needed to support weight control and promote health-related behaviors among nurses. Future research should identify potential barriers to healthy lifestyle recommendations in the workplace.

The effects of shift-work schedules on the sleep, health, safety, and quality of life of police employees during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…For example, increased risk for cardio-vascular, gastro-intestinal, and metabolic diseases ( James S.M. et al, 2017 ; Berent et al, 2022 ), in particular for night or rotating shift workers ( Caruso et al, 2006 ). Police officers are more likely to suffer from these diseases than other workers ( Tuttle et al, 2019 ), in addition to disproportionately suffering from sleep disorders ( Vila, 2000 ; Vila, 2006 ; Rajaratnam et al, 2011 ; James et al, 2022 ), impaired domestic relationships and reduced quality of life ( James et al, 2022 ).…”

Exercise, diet, and sleep habits of nurses working full-time during the COVID-19 pandemic: An observational study

“…Support of both short and long-term health of nurses is imperative to ensure an adequate workforce is available to provide vital healthcare services to community members across the spectrum of wellbeing and illness. Studies have demonstrated an inherent connection between self-care activities of physical activity (PA), diet quality, sleep hygiene, and physical/mental health in the nursing workforce ( Berent et al, 2021 ; Jiang et al, 2021 ; Mazurek Melnyk et al, 2022 ). For example, high-quality sleep, healthy eating habits, and regular physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of psychological conditions such as stress and burnout ( Fitzpatrick & Valentine, 2021 ) and lower risk for all-cause mortality ( Saeidifard et al, 2019 ; Sotos-Prieto et al, 2017 ; Yin et al, 2017 ).…”

Subjective and Objective Assessment of Recommended Physical Activity in Female Healthcare Professionals

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