ASSESSMENT OF STRESS LEVELS AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG NIGHT SHIFT NURSES IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS OF NAROWAL

Abstract

Introduction Night shift work is a critical component of hospital operations, yet it often leads to sleep deprivation, elevated stress levels, and compromised quality of life (QoL) for nurses. In low- resource settings like Narowal, Pakistan, the physical and emotional demands of night shifts are often underestimated, potentially impacting both nurse health and patient care. Identifying these challenges is essential for institutional reforms and policy interventions. Study Purpose This study aimed to assess the levels of stress and quality of life among night shift nurses working in public and private hospitals in Narowal. It further explored the relationship between night duty, sleep disturbances, mental and physical symptoms, and support mechanisms in place for nurses. Research Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 68 night shift nurses selected via convenience sampling from both public and private hospitals in Narowal. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire covering sleep duration and quality, physical and psychological symptoms, error rates, and institutional support. Descriptive statistics were computed using SPSS Version 27. Results Among the 68 participants, 51.5% reported sleeping only 4-6 hours, while 10.3% slept less than 4 hours per day. Sleep quality was noted as fair (50%), poor (16.2%), or very poor (10.3%), with only 23.5% describing it as good. Stress-related issues included frequent forgetfulness (64.7%), headache (55.9%), and errors in patient care (52.9%). Psychological disturbances such as anxiety and depression affected 33.8% of the nurses. Moreover, 67.6% believed sleep deprivation impaired their decision-making, and 61.8% struggled to maintain a work-life balance. Only 23.5% were satisfied with institutional support during night shifts. Conclusion The findings indicate that night shift nurses in Narowal experience high levels of stress and poor sleep quality, contributing to physical symptoms, cognitive errors, and reduced overall well-being. Improved scheduling, rest periods, and psychological support services are urgently needed to mitigate the adverse effects of night shift duties in hospital settings