Sleep problems among Chinese clinical nurses working in general hospitals

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Occupational Health
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Limited epidemiological data exists on sleep problems among clinical nurses in mainland China.
• The association between sleep problems and occupational stress in this population remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of sleep problems in Chinese clinical nurses.
• To identify factors associated with sleep problems.
• To examine the relationship between occupational stress and sleep problems.

Main Methods:

• Random cluster sampling was used to recruit nurses.
• Self-administered questionnaires assessed sociodemographic and occupational variables, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and occupational stress (Job Content Questionnaire).
• Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with sleep problems.

Main Results:

• 55% of 4951 nurses reported sleep problems (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score ≥8).
• Higher risk of sleep problems was observed in female nurses in intensive care and emergency departments.
• Risk factors included multiple years of service, frequent night shifts, lower professional status, temporary employment, and high occupational stressors (psychological job demands, low job control, low social support).

Conclusions:

• A high prevalence of sleep problems exists among clinical nurses in mainland China.
• Occupational stress is a significant facilitator of sleep problems in this cohort.
• Addressing occupational stress and associated risk factors is crucial for improving nurses' sleep quality.