ASSESSMENT OF MOOD VARIABILITY AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ON-CALL NURSES IN CLINICAL

Abstract

Background: Mood variability is a significant mental health concern characterized by irritability, impulsivity, and hypomanic symptoms, which can impair professional functioning. Nurses working long hours and irregular shifts, particularly in high-pressure hospital units, are at greater risk of developing mood variability symptoms due to disrupted sleep cycles and occupational stress. Aim: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of mood variability and its associated factors among on-call nurses working in Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. A total of 150 registered nurses were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through an adopted questionnaire developed by Choi and Hyosung (2021), consisting of 30 items scored on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were applied to examine associations between demographic variables and mood variability. Results: The majority of participants were female (99.3%), aged 31–40 years (78.7%), and working in medical-surgical (44.7%), emergency (30.7%), and pediatric wards (24.7%). Mood variability prevalence was moderate in 60.7% of nurses, high in 18.0%, and low in 21.3%. Significant associations were observed between mood variability and age group (p = 0.044), department (p = 0.011), and duty shift (p = 0.023). Logistic regression identified night shift duty and working in emergency units as significant predictors of mood variability. Conclusion: Mood variability is highly prevalent among on-call nurses, particularly those on night duty and in high-pressure departments. Workplace interventions, mental health support, and structured shift scheduling are essential to reduce risks and safeguard patient care.