Combined Effects of Individual Background, Work Shift and Job Stress on the Prevalence of Sleep Problems in Hospital Employers

ABSTRACT

BACGROUND The accuracy and efficiency of a job performed by hospital employee can be linked directly with patients' health and life. It is considered that their irregular work and stress are relatively high as compared with other workplaces. In this article we tried to look into how job stress, working environment and factors of life-style influence sleep problems in hospital employees. METHODS: This research was conducted among 248 workers of a hospital in Busan on April, 2002. Sleep problems were categorized into insomnia, sleep deprivation, daytime sleepiness and snoring on the basis of the factor analysis of 11-item questions. The job stress was proposed by Karasek, etc., and measured by 14-item modified questions. The statistical analysis was conducted using Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Statistically insomnia, sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness showed a significant increase in women (OR2.1/2.69/3.16) and shift workers (OR4.67/3.28/1.98) and snoring showed a significant increase in obesity (OR5.0) and smokers (OR2.34). CONCLUSION: This research showed that many hospital employees perceive sleep disorders as critical. Especially, work shift seemed to be an important risk factor for sleep disorders.