Aim: To examine night working conditions by shift work type and identify the effects of night working conditions on nurses' perceptions of shift work safety and health effects.
Background: Night work is the main factor affecting nurses' health. However, the safety of night working conditions has not been sufficiently examined in previous studies.
Methods: This study used a cross-sectional research design and an online survey using a tool released by the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, and the responses of 348 shift work nurses in Korea were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effects of shift work conditions on the perceived safety of night work and health effects. The STROBE reporting guidelines were utilized, and data were collected from December 1 to December 31, 2021.
Results: The adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that perceived threat to safety and the health effects of shift work were not significant according to shift type. However, night-shift-work nurses who worked alone (P = 0.003), lacked an emergency recovery system (P = 0.026), and had difficulty commuting perceived a threat to their health (P = 0.007). Additionally, nurses who experienced loss of concentration (P = 0.006) and inadequate rest time (P < 0.001) perceived the health effects of shift work.
Discussion: Urgent monitoring of night work conditions is necessary for the 2-shift work type. Nurses must work night shifts together and an emergency system should be established for their safety.
Conclusion: Night work conditions should be improved to prevent the hazards of night work and its negative health effects on nurses.
Implications for nursing and health policy: This study suggests the necessity of a policy to enhance night work safety, including emergency coping systems and sufficient inter-shift rest time.
Keywords: South Korea; health effect; night work; perception of night work safety; registered nurse; shift work.
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