Insomnia and its association with absenteeism: A cross-sectional study among Iranian nursing team

OBJECTIVE: Given the potential impact of insomnia on nurses’ performance, it is assumed that insomnia is associated with their absence from work. The present study aimed to determine the insomnia status and its association with absenteeism among a selective group of Iranian healthcare providers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 304 healthcare providers working at Imam-Khomeini hospital complex in Tehran. The study population were assessed by insomnia severity index for characterization of insomnia symptoms. The data of absenteeism was collected from the employees’ attendance system of hospital’s nursing and staff department. The multivariable linear regression model used for predicting determinants of insomnia and absenteeism in nursing team. RESULTS: Different degrees of insomnia was found in 79.9% of the study population, which 57.2% suffered from mild insomnia, 21.4% from moderate insomnia, and 1.3% from severe insomnia. The prevalence of insomnia was significantly higher in persons who were absent from their workplace frequently, or left because of illness. The mean days for total absenteeism in healthcare workers with moderate to severe insomnia was significantly higher than others with mild and no insomnia. In multivariate analysis, having night shifts and the severity of insomnia could predict absenteeism in studied population. DISCUSSION: A majority of healthcare workers suffer from insomnia that may lead to their work absenteeism and decreased performance. Proper administrative and individuals for management of sleep problems is required to avoid long hours of absenteeism among nursing team.