The role of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude in musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work-family conflict

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude on musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work-family conflict among nurses.

Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 386 nurses working in three hospitals, in Shahroud, Iran.

Method: The data were collected using the Circadian Rhythm Inventory, Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Carlson Work-Family Conflict questionnaires.

Results: The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the lower back (68.4%), upper back (65.5%) and shoulders (53.6%), respectively. No significant relation was found between circadian rhythm stability and amplitude, and musculoskeletal disorders prevalence. The nurses who could not overcome drowsiness reported more Work Interference with Family (WIF), Family Interference with Work (FIW) (time-based) and FIW (strain-based) compared to the nurses who overcame drowsiness. In addition, the appropriate nurses for shift work experienced less WIF, FIW (behavioural-based) and WIF (strain-based) compared to the nurses who could not work overtime or at night.

Keywords: circadian rhythm amplitude; circadian rhythm stability; family interference with work; musculoskeletal disorders; work interference with family.