Association between fatigue and Internet addiction in female hospital nurses

Abstract

Aims: To report a study conducted to examine the association between fatigue and Internet addiction among female hospital nurses.

Background: The Internet provides unprecedented convenience for social interaction and information retrieval. Although excessive Internet use has been demonstrated to correlate with fatigue in adolescents, no studies have examined whether it is associated with fatigue in nurses.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Methods: The study was conducted in August 2010. Female Registered Nurses working in a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan were asked to complete a paper-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions on demographics, the Chen Internet Addiction Scale and the Chalder Fatigue Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using Chalder fatigue scale as the dependent variable.

Results: Of the 564 (79% response) valid questionnaires returned, 6 and 10% of the participants were classified as diagnostic cases and possible cases of Internet addiction, respectively. Fatigue levels, adjusting for other potential confounders including work unit, shift work, regular self-medication, and self-perceived health status, was significantly associated with both possible cases of Internet addiction and diagnostic cases of Internet addiction.

Conclusion: This study is the first in reporting a statistically significant association between fatigue levels and Internet addiction in female hospital nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses should pay attention to their Internet activity and whether it adds to their fatigue levels. Addictive behaviour should promptly be dealt with to ensure that the best care is provided to patients.