Physio psychological and social problems faced by nurses working in rotational shifts in tricity

Abstract

The present study was an attempt to explore physiological, psychological and social problems faced by nurses working in rotational shifts in hospitals of Tricity. Circadian Rhythms, Patriarchy and Social Alienation theories were employed as a guide to understand the problem under this study. The study was conducted in three hospitals chosen by governance-PGIMER, GMSH-16 and Max Hospital. In-depth interviews, questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions were done to draw out relevant information at the empirical level. It was found that approx. 23% of the total respondents had reported to have been a victim of harassment while travelling to and from workplace. 76% of the total incidents of harassment at workplace occurred when the respondent was working in night shift. Around 11% and 16% of the total respondents testified to have met with an on-duty accident and road accident respectively due to sleepiness. The chronic morbidity rate reported by the respondents under the current study was 34% as an average. When reviewed by age, the morbidity rate for the respondents under the present study was around 26% for 20-30 years age group, around 42% for 30-40 years age group, 60% for 40-50 years and 75% for above 50 years age group. Approximately, 62% of the total respondents who reported to have a health problem were prescribed by their doctor to stop working in the rotational shift. Around 71% of the total respondents faced socialization problems. The time spent with family/friends during day shift was 2.28 times when working in night shift.