Comparison of Social Life and Sleeping Pattern among Eight and Twelve Hours Shifts Nurses

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the current study is to: Investigate the relationship between shift length and Saudi nurses’ social life and sleep pattern. Methods: A descriptive correlation, cross – sectional research design was utilized to conduct the current study. A convenience sample of 200 Saudi nurses was involved in the study. Data were collected from three hospitals: King Fahd Hospital, Al- Shumaisi hospital and Yammama Hospital. Data were collected over a seven months period from March, 2012 – October, 2012. An explanation about the purpose and the nature of the study was offered for each individual potential participant. Agreement to complete the questionnaire worked as an informed consent. Subjects were assured about the confidentiality of the collected data and that it will be only used by the researchers for the purpose of the current study. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey designed by the researchers and consisting of three parts: Sociodemographic data, questions related to nurses’ sleep pattern, and nurses’ social life. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18. Results: Current study findings reveal no statistically significant difference in relation to the Saudi nurses’ preference of either 8 or 12 – hour shifts. Saudi nurses who worked 12 – hour shift showed a statistically significant difference in relation to their satisfaction with their sleep quality than Saudi nurses who worked 8 – hour shift. Saudi nurses who worked 8 – hour shift had more time to spend with their families and were more satisfied than Saudi nurses who worked 12 – hour shift. Conclusion Shorter length shift work considered more positive in terms of sleep pattern satisfaction and quality social life as perceived by Saudi nurses.

Keywords: nurses, social life, sleeping pattern, shift length