ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Shang-Lin Chiang MD, PhD

Associate Professor

orcid.org/0000-0003-1210-626X

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, ROC Taiwan

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Wen-Chii Tzeng RN, PhD,

Wen-Chii Tzeng RN, PhD

Professor

orcid.org/0000-0002-4205-896X

School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, ROC Taiwan

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Li-Chi Chiang RN, PhD,

Li-Chi Chiang RN, PhD

Professor

School of Nursing and Graduated Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center and China Medical University, Taipei and Taichung, ROC Taiwan

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Meei-Shyuan Lee DPH,

Meei-Shyuan Lee DPH

Professor

School of Public Health and Graduated Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, ROC Taiwan

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Chueh-Ho Lin PhD,

Chueh-Ho Lin PhD

Associate Professor

National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research, National Health Research Institutes, Taipei, ROC Taiwan

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Chia-Huei Lin RN, PhD,

Corresponding Author

Chia-Huei Lin RN, PhD

Associate Professor

[email protected]

orcid.org/0000-0003-3751-602X

School of Nursing and Graduated Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, ROC Taiwan

Correspondence

Chia-Huei Lin, School of Nursing and Graduated Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, 161 Sec. 6 Mingchuan E. Rd., Neihu 114, Taipei, ROC Taiwan.

Email: [email protected]

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Shang-Lin Chiang MD, PhD,

Shang-Lin Chiang MD, PhD

Associate Professor

orcid.org/0000-0003-1210-626X

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, ROC Taiwan

Search for more papers by this author

Wen-Chii Tzeng RN, PhD,

Wen-Chii Tzeng RN, PhD

Professor

orcid.org/0000-0002-4205-896X

School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, ROC Taiwan

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Li-Chi Chiang RN, PhD,

Li-Chi Chiang RN, PhD

Professor

School of Nursing and Graduated Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center and China Medical University, Taipei and Taichung, ROC Taiwan

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Meei-Shyuan Lee DPH,

Meei-Shyuan Lee DPH

Professor

School of Public Health and Graduated Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, ROC Taiwan

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Chueh-Ho Lin PhD,

Chueh-Ho Lin PhD

Associate Professor

National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research, National Health Research Institutes, Taipei, ROC Taiwan

Search for more papers by this author

Chia-Huei Lin RN, PhD,

Corresponding Author

Chia-Huei Lin RN, PhD

Associate Professor

[email protected]

orcid.org/0000-0003-3751-602X

School of Nursing and Graduated Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, ROC Taiwan

Correspondence

Chia-Huei Lin, School of Nursing and Graduated Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, 161 Sec. 6 Mingchuan E. Rd., Neihu 114, Taipei, ROC Taiwan.

Email: [email protected]

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First published: 07 June 2024

https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12997

Citations: 4

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Abstract

Aim

To examine the associations between physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

Stress adversely impacts hospital nurses, particularly those on rotating shifts. The effects of physical activity patterns and sleep quality on the stress levels of these nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic warrant investigation.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted with 550 eligible registered hospital nurses, randomly selected from four hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. The work schedule type of these nurses was categorized into rotating shifts (working at least two shifts in a month, involving day, evening, and night shifts) or fixed-day shifts (working only the day shift). Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity patterns (sedentary or active), sleep quality (poor or adequate), and stress levels for analysis.

Results

Rotating-shift nurses with active physical activity patterns exhibited lower stress levels compared with those with sedentary patterns. Nurses who experienced adequate sleep quality had lower stress levels compared with those with poor sleep quality among rotating and fixed-day shift nurses.

Conclusions

Active physical activity patterns and adequate sleep quality were associated with lower stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the pandemic. Promoting active physical activity and enhancing sleep quality are essential strategies for reducing stress in these nurses.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Strategies aimed at promoting physical activity and improving sleep quality should be integral components of health promotion programs and policymaking efforts directed at nursing leaders, to foster a healthy and supportive work environment and enhance the welfare of rotating-shift hospital nurses.

Reporting method

The study is reported using the statement of Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

No conflict of interest has been declared by the authors.

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Data were available with the corresponding author.

Supporting Information

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Volume72, Issue1

March 2025

e12997

Physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Implications for nursing and health policy

Reporting method

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Supporting Information

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Information

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Physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Implications for nursing and health policy

Reporting method

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Supporting Information

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Related

Information