Effect of shift work in intensive care on attention disorder in nurses

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of attention between shifts and to make recommendations about the regulation of shifts.

Methods: The researchers applied the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Stroop color word interaction test (SCWI) in 72 intensive care workers working in different shifts.

Result: The study included a total of 72 participants, including 30 (43.3%) females and 42 (58.3%) males. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in the sub-items of the HAM-D and SCWI test (Table 3). There was a significant elongation in the night-shift employees at all times within the SCWI sub-items. A significant height in the number of errors and corrections in the cards applied in the continuation of the test was also determined in the night-shift group.

Conclusion: This study revealed a significant decrease in the level of attention in the night-shift compared with the day-shift. This increase in attention deficit may also be a preventable cause of increased mortality in the night-shift.