Cohort study, 2024
Does shift work worsen PMS symptoms in newly graduated nurses?
Yes. PMS got worse six months after newly graduated nurses started shift work and stayed worse at 18 months. Sleep quality and fatigue were the strongest linked factors.
What they did
Researchers followed newly graduated nurses at three time points: before they started shift work, six months after starting, and 18 months after starting. They measured physical factors (age, body mass index, alcohol, diet), mental factors (sleep quality, fatigue, depression, stress, life satisfaction), and social support.
What they found
PMS worsened at six months after starting shift work (p < .001) and the worsening continued at 18 months. Age, sleep quality, and fatigue were associated with PMS. Depression's link to PMS changed over time (p = .021).
What it means for you
Shift work makes PMS worse and the problem persists. The most practical targets are improving sleep and reducing fatigue. The main limit is that this tracked the same nurses over time without a separate control group for comparison.
3 time points
baseline, 6 months, 18 months
p < .001
PMS worsened after shift work started
p = .004
sleep quality associated with PMS
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual Symptoms Risk Factors Among Newly Graduated Nurses in Shift Work: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
- Authors
- Huh I, Choi-Kwon S, Ki J et al.
- Journal
- Asian nursing research
- Year
- 2024
- Study design
- Cohort study
- What was tested
- None - observational study
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.anr.2024.10.006
Topics
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