Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus? Differing Effects of Shift Work on Nurses' Marital Satisfaction

Shift work can affect quality of life, especially marital satisfaction.

To compare marital satisfaction between nurses doing shift work in intensive care units (ICUs) and inpatient departments, focusing on gender differences.

A descriptive-comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 nurses. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires, including the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction scale.

The study included 76 ICU nurses (54 women [71%]) and 50 inpatient department nurses (31 women [62%]). The mean ENRICH Marital Satisfaction score was higher (indicating greater marital satisfaction) for ICU nurses (mean [SD], 51.58 [11.03]) than for inpatient department nurses (mean [SD], 49.00 [9.90]), although the difference was not significant (P = .94). Gender-specific differences (mean [SD]) were significant among inpatient department nurses in roles and responsibilities (men, 4.47 [0.53], women, 3.97 [0.62]; P = .004), partner communication (men, 4.32 [0.67], women, 3.80 [0.48]; P = .01), time spent with partner (men, 4.05 [0.91], women, 3.20 [0.96]; P = .003), and religious beliefs (men, 4.21 [0.78], women, 3.70 [0.98]; P = .02) components. Linear regression indicated that the partner's profession in health care (β = -0.21; P = .02) and the partner's satisfaction with the nurse's shift work (β = 0.18; P = .04) were significant predictors of marital satisfaction.

Addressing gender, unit, and other personal factors while promoting the connection between employee well-being and the work environment may enhance marital satisfaction among nurses, foster a more balanced work-family system, and improve professional performance.