Abstract:
Background: Oxidative stress
is believed to have a role in the development of
chronic diseases. It is also known that long-term
night and shift work in nurses might be associated with many health-related problems like fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety and difficulties in
maintaining regular lifestyles.
Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the
changes of oxidative stress parameters and
anxiety indexes of the nurses on day and night
shifts.
Materials and Methods: One hundred and
twenty nurses in ordinary service and intensive
care unit (ICU) were enrolled to the study. Subjects were divided into 2 groups; group 1 (n=60)
consisted of nurses working in a day shift and
group 2 (n=60) as working in the night shift. Further, both groups were divided in to 2 groups
again; group 1a and 2a (both n=30) who working
in the ICU, group 1b and 2b (both n=30) in the
ordinary service. Just before and the end of the
shifts, blood samples were obtained to measure
total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant
status (TOS). Oxidative stress index (OSI) was
calculated. Anxiety index were determined at the
end of the shift using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory index.
Results: Oxidative stress parameters were increased in all nurses at the end of the day and
night shifts (p < 0.05). However, both in service
and ICU nurses TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were
not significantly different at the beginning and
the end of the shifts (p > 0.05). Anxiety indexes
of each ordinary service and ICU nurses were
found to be similar (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Ordinary service and ICU nurses’ oxidative stress parameters and anxiety indexes were not different and all nurses suffer
the similar effects of the shifts both in day and
night.
