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Shift Work, Psychological Health Disorders, and Job Security Among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Rokaya Alghamdi, Ghareeb Bahari

Healthcare, 2025

17 citations

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Shift work is prevalent among nurses, often leading to adverse psychological effects, such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress. Understanding how shift work contributes to psychological health disorders can help healthcare organizations identify critical areas where support should be offered. This study aimed to determine the relationships between shift work, psychological health disorders, and job security among nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 163 nurses, recruited via convenience sampling. The participants completed an online questionnaire that assessed demographic variables, psychological disorders, fatigue, and job security. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as bivariate analyses to explore relationships between variables. Results: Most participants (73%) worked 12 h shifts, and 67.5% reported fair sleep quality. We found significant correlations among shift work, fatigue, and common psychological disorders. Significant differences were also observed for fatigue (p = 0.007) and depression (p = 0.008). Both nationality (p < 0.001) and shift work (p = 0.015) were correlated with anxiety. Similarly, significant differences were found for nationality (p = 0.001) and shift work (p = 0.002) regarding stress. Conclusions: These findings underscore the psychological challenges faced by nurses related to shift work, emphasizing the importance of addressing fatigue and mental health.…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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