THE IMPACTS OF NIGHT SHIFT DUTY ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG NURSES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL AT SWAT, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Night shift work is a crucial aspect of healthcare, particularly among nurses. The study aims to assess the impact of night shift duty on the quality of life among nurses, focusing on physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of night shift duty on nurses' quality of life, identifying areas for improvement in their well-being and informing strategies to support their health and job satisfaction. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess the quality of life among night-shift nurses in a tertiary care hospital. The study population consisted of nurses working night shifts, selected through convenience sampling. Data collection involved distributing the questionnaire to participants, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity. Results: The study revealed significant effects of night shift duty on nurses' quality of life, particularly in physical (65.2% reported sleep disturbances) and psychological (72.1% reported emotional exhaustion) domains. Fatigue was reported by 80.5% of participants, while 55.6% reported moderate satisfaction with social support from colleagues. Conclusion: Night shift duty has a profound impact on nurses' quality of life, highlighting the need for healthcare organizations to prioritize their well-being. Implementing flexible shift scheduling, mental health support programs, and workplace environment improvements can help mitigate the negative effects of night shifts. This study's findings can inform policies and interventions to support nurses working night shifts, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.