Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Symptoms among Rotating Shift Nurses in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study

Rotating shift work places a serious burden on nurses’ physical and psychological health. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are a common complaint among shift workers. This study assessed GI symptoms and identified the associations between dietary habits, psychological status, and sleep quality among rotating shift nurses. Data from 125 female nurses in rotating shifts who worked at two tertiary hospitals in South Korea were collected using a questionnaire that included the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire; the Dietary Habit Questionnaire; the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS)-21; and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). All participants experienced various GI symptoms, and 47% of them complained of at least one severe GI symptom. There were significant differences in GI symptom scores according to the status of depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality. In multiple linear regression analysis, the factors associated with an increase in the occurrence and severity of GI symptoms were poor sleep quality and morbid anxiety and stress. The model explained power at 43.2%. As most nurses in rotating shifts experience GI symptoms, they should receive counseling and training programs at work to alleviate psychological symptoms, improve sleep quality, and pay more attention to their health status as well as GI symptom management.