Shift Work: Impact on Nurses’ Health and Quality Life in Pointe-Noire (Congo)

Introduction: The consequences of shift work on health, psychological balance and socio-family life are multiple and universally known. Objective: The aim of this survey was to describe the impact of shift work on nurses’ health and quality life. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of the exposed and non-exposed type from May 2013 to July 2013, i.e. for a period of 3 months. We had included and divided into two groups the nurses working in the various departments of the Loandjili General Hospital (LGH). A questionnaire derived from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale had been used to collect the data. Results: Of the 91 nurses considered, including 59 in shift work (group I) and 32 in daytime work (group II), significant associations were found between shift work on the one hand and sleep problems on the other hand in all these aspects, stress and appetite disturbances. However, no significant association was found between shift work on the one hand and the use of sleeping pills on the other hand. Fatigue, mood disorders and the notion of free time (at home and for leisure), although the frequencies are relatively high in the group of nurses on shift work. Conclusion: Our results show that nurses’ health, social and family life at Loandjili General Hospital are negatively impacted by shift work. There is a need to put in place means of prevention.