Relationship of insomnia, stress, and anxiety with shift work among nurses in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract

Background and Aim: Insomnia, stress, and anxiety affect the mental wellbeing and distorts the work-life balance of health workers influencing their performance at work. This study aimed to assess the relationship of shift work with insomnia, anxiety, and stress among nurses in a tertiary care hospital in Bahrain. Methods: We used a cross-sectional study design. Our study population was 345 nurses in a major tertiary care hospital in Bahrain. The sample was selected based on the population probability to size method. Nurses completed a questionnaire that contained items, including sociodemographic data, Bergen's Insomnia Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Shift Work Disorder scale. Results: The prevalence of insomnia was highest (85.7%) in the youngest nurses (20 to 30 years), Bahrainis (92.2%), nurses working in Surgical (85.5%) and Pediatrics (80.0%) departments, with 1 to 5 years of shift work experience (81.0%), and 1 to 3 night shifts a month (92.0%). Nurses with very high levels of stress were between the ages of 20-30 years, Bahrainis, had a B.Sc. degree, were in the Pediatrics Department, worked for 4 to 6-night shifts per month, and did not consume caffeinated drinks (p<0.05). The prevalence of Shift Work Disorder was 11.3% in our study. Conclusions: The prevalence of insomnia, stress, and anxiety was high in the nurses in our study, and it was significantly related to performing shift work. However, shift work disorder in those who had insomnia was low in our study although it was still higher in nurses who suffered from insomnia. Balanced working hours and support in the evaluation and treatment potential mental health challenges associated with working in shifts may improve mental wellbeing of nurses working in tertiary care hospitals in Bahrain.

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