Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (Jun 2024)
The Effect of Shift Work on Sleep Patterns of Paramedics in Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Abdullah Alruwaili,1– 3 Ahmed Ramdan M Alanazy1– 3 1Emergency Medical Services Program, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia; 2King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia; 3Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Al Ahsa, 31982, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Abdullah Alruwaili, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia, Tel +96656624421, Fax +966 013 5629000;29286, Email [email protected]: Shift work poses significant sleep health challenges for paramedics, affecting their ability to respond effectively in emergencies. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of shift work on sleep parameters among paramedics in Saudi Arabia, identifying key factors influencing insomnia.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted, gathering data on sociodemographic characteristics, work-related factors, sleep duration, and insomnia among paramedics in Saudi Arabia. The Athens Insomnia Scale was used to define insomnia. The association between shift work and sleep parameters was examined. Predictors of insomnia were identified through logistic regression models by inspecting the adjusted odds ratio (aOR).Results: 1076 Saudi paramedics were included, most of whom were 26– 35 years old, males, married, had a Bachelor’s degree, worked in hospital-based settings for private agencies in rural areas, and had 6– 10 years of experience. Occupational stress was reported by 52.96% of paramedics. All shift work characteristics (working hours, number of shifts, work schedule, and off-work days) were significantly associated with insomnia (p=0.0001). The multivariate regression revealed that work setting (aOR=18.71, p=0.02), coffee consumption (aOR=36.83, p=0.01), work schedule (aOR=21.93, p=0.01), and time to bed (aOR=0.01, p=0.01), sleep duration (aOR=0.03, p=0.03), and occupation stress (aOR=9.31, p=0.001) were predictors for insomnia.Conclusion: Our findings underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of shift work on sleep health among paramedics.Keywords: insomnia, sleep duration, paramedicine, predictors
