Latent class analysis of the sleep quality of night shift nurses and impact of shift‐related factors on the occupational stress and anxiety

AIMS: The objective of this study is to explore the various latent categories within the sleep quality of night shift nurses and to investigate whether shift-related factors predispose nurses to higher levels of occupational stress and anxiety. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: From November to December 2020, registered nurses from 18 tertiary hospitals and 16 secondary hospitals in Chongqing were selected through convenience sampling for this study. Latent class analysis was used to investigate the sleep quality of nurses working night shifts. Furthermore, univariate analysis and logistic multivariate analysis were utilized to identify the contributing factors to occupational stress and anxiety. RESULTS: The four latent categories of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for night shift nurses were identified as 'Low Sleep Disorder Group' (56.34%), 'Moderate Sleep Disorder Group' (37.27%), 'High Sleep Disorder Non-Reliant on Sleeping medication Group' (4.89%) and 'High Sleep Disorder Reliant on Sleeping medication Group' (1.50%). The results showed that having a night-shift frequency of 3-4 times per month, night-shift durations of 9-12 h, sleep time delay after night shift (≥2 h), total sleep time after night shift less than 4 h were shift-related factors that increased the levels of occupational stress and anxiety. CONCLUSION: The sleep quality of night shift nurses demonstrates heterogeneity and can be classified into four latent categories. Higher frequency of night shifts, extended work hours and insufficient rest time are all associated with increased levels of occupational stress and anxiety. IMPACT: By identifying the four latent categories of sleep quality among night shift nurses, this study sheds light on the relationship between sleep patterns and levels of occupational stress and anxiety. These findings have important implications for healthcare institutions in the management of nurse well-being and work schedules. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.