Background: Rotating shift work may interrupt the normal function of the biological clock, so
considered to be one of the factors leading to alter endocrine regulation and increased risk of menstrual cycle
abnormality. Aim: to assess the impact of shift work pattern on menstrual characteristics among nurses.
Methodology: Research design used for the present study was a cross-sectional comparative design with three
months of monitoring. The survey conducted in three hospitals in Benha city, Egypt which affiliated to the Ministry
of health. After recognizing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study sample was 100 (100 out of 678) active
female nurse staff who were in reproductive age below 40 years and had at least one year of work experience. A
convenient type of sample was used to collect the data. The researchers designed an interviewing assessment sheet,
and semi-structured menstrual self-assessment tool was adopted by the researcher to collect the data. Results: The
present study showed that there were statistically significant differences in educational attainment, work duration
and drinking tea habit among nurses in rotating shifts compared to day shift one. Heavy menstrual bleeding and
severe dysmenorrhea were significantly higher among rotating shifts group nurses (MCP=0.034* and P=0.021*,
respectively). Also, inter-menstrual bleeding and short cycle length were higher among nurses in rotating shifts
group but not a significant difference. Also, Irregular menstrual cycle and very severe dysmenorrhea were
significantly higher among nurses with more than 12-night shifts rotation at the last twelve months of work
(P=0.001* and MCP=0.005*, respectively). For short menstrual and prolonged menstrual cycle, numbers of pads
used, heavy menstrual bleeding, and inter-menstrual bleeding were higher among nurses with more than 12-night
shifts rotation at the last 12 months of work but not reach the significant. Rotating shifts work has a negative impact
on the menstrual cycle. Rotating shift has been associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, severe dysmenorrhea as
well as intermenstrual bleeding and short cycle length. Also, Increased the numbers of night shifts more than 12-
night shift rotation at last 12 months associated with severe dysmenorrhea and irregular menstrual cycle. So this
finding can be used to guide preventive measures to eliminate or decrease the menstrual problems among rotating
shift nurses. Conclusion: The results of this study which done to assess the impact of shift work pattern on
menstrual characteristics among nurse staff in Egypt are comparable with those reported in other parts of the world.
It can conclude from the results of this study that rotating shifts work associated with increased risk of menstrual
disturbances. Nurses working in rotating shifts had a significant heavy menstrual bleeding and severe dysmenorrhea.
[Mirfat, M. L. El-Kashif and Mageda, A. S. Arafat. Shift Work Pattern and Menstrual Characteristics among
Nurses in Egypt. Biomedicine and Nursing 2016;2(4): 104-115]. ISSN 2379-8211 (print); ISSN 2379-8203
(online). http://www.nbmedicine.org. 15. doi:10.7537/marsbnj020416.15. |
