Influence of Shift Work and Marital Status on Occupational Stress Among Nurses in Nigeria

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Occupational stress is a prevalent issue among healthcare workers, particularly nurses, due to the demanding nature of their job. Nurses in Nigeria, like their counterparts worldwide, are faced with long shifts, emotional challenges, and high workloads, all of which contribute to stress. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), shift work, especially night shifts, is one of the primary contributors to occupational stress in various industries, including healthcare (ILO, 2016). For nurses, the combination of irregular working hours, rotating shifts, and the need to be constantly alert during emergency situations intensifies their stress levels. Furthermore, shift work has been shown to disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to sleep deprivation, fatigue, and other health-related problems (Knauth, 2003).

Marital status also plays a significant role in how stress manifests in an individual's life. Research suggests that marital status affects emotional and social support, which in turn impacts how one copes with work-related stress (Goh, 2018). Nurses with supportive spouses may experience less stress compared to their unmarried counterparts, as they have better avenues for emotional support. However, for those with marital issues or those without a support system, the strain of balancing work and family responsibilities can amplify stress levels. In the Nigerian context, where traditional family structures are central, the pressure to meet both work and family obligations can be overwhelming for many nurses.

In the Nigerian context, the recognition of occupational stress, particularly among nurses, has gained attention in recent decades. As healthcare facilities expanded and began providing services around the clock, the pressure on nurses to work in shifts became more pronounced. Nurses in Nigeria have long faced stressful working conditions due to insufficient staffing, high patient loads, and the demanding nature of the profession (Ibrahim et al., 2012). This pressure, combined with the demands of shift work, has been linked to increased stress levels among nurses in Nigeria. In fact, several studies have found that nurses who work night shifts are more likely to experience higher levels of stress, fatigue, and burnout (Adedeji & Adeleke, 2017).

According to Ogunyemi (2015), marital status and family responsibilities have been found to compound the stress experienced by nurses in Nigeria. In a society where the family unit holds significant importance, the balance between work and family responsibilities can be challenging. Nigerian nurses, especially women, are often expected to juggle both work and family duties, leading to increased stress (Ogunyemi, 2015). Shift work and marital status are significant factors that can influence the level of occupational stress experienced by nurses. In Nigeria, where the healthcare system faces challenges such as insufficient staffing, long working hours, and a high patient load, nurses are often exposed to considerable stress. Occupational stress in healthcare workers has been widely studied, but few studies have focused specifically on the effects of shift work and marital status in the Nigerian context. Shift work, particularly irregular hours and night shifts, has been linked to various health problems, including sleep disturbances, fatigue, and mental health issues (Barton et al., 2011). Marital status, on the other hand, can also have an impact on stress levels, as it affects the work-life balance and the emotional and social support a person receives (Wright & Cropanzano, 2000). Nurses, who are often at the forefront of patient care, face unique stressors that are compounded by the demands of their profession, which includes emotional, physical, and psychological burdens. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the influence of shift work and marital status on occupational stress among nurses.

1.2 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that the issue of occupational stress among nurses in Nigeria is an ongoing concern, particularly in relation to the combined effects of shift work and marital status. Nurses often work long and irregular hours, with night shifts, early mornings, and rotating schedules being common in healthcare settings. This shift work is inherently stressful as it disrupts normal sleep patterns, increases fatigue, and affects physical and mental health. According to Adedeji and Adeleke (2017), the demands of shift work significantly contribute to burnout and job dissatisfaction among nurses. The impact of shift work on health, particularly mental health, has been widely acknowledged, with night shifts being linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among healthcare professionals (Ogunyemi, 2015).

Additionally, marital status is another significant factor influencing occupational stress among nurses. In a society like Nigeria, where family responsibilities are predominantly shouldered by women, the pressures of balancing work demands and home life can exacerbate stress levels. Nurses who are married or have children may face the challenge of juggling caregiving responsibilities with the demands of their profession, which leads to increased emotional and physical strain (Benson, 2003). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by examining how shift work and marital status influence occupational stress among Nigerian nurses, as understanding these factors can help in developing targeted interventions to improve nurse well-being and productivity.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to examine the influence of shift work and marital status on occupational stress among nurses in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To assess the level of occupational stress among nurses who work shift patterns in Nigeria.
2. To investigate how marital status affects the experience of occupational stress among nurses.
3. To determine the interaction between shift work and marital status on occupational stress levels in Nigerian nurses.
4. To explore the coping mechanisms employed by nurses to manage occupational stress related to shift work and marital responsibilities.
5. To provide recommendations for healthcare institutions on how to mitigate the impact of shift work and marital stress on nurses' well-being and job satisfaction.

1.4 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What is the level of occupational stress among nurses who work shift patterns in Nigeria?
• How does marital status affect the experience of occupational stress among nurses in Nigeria?
• What is the interaction between shift work and marital status in influencing the level of occupational stress among Nigerian nurses?
• What coping mechanisms do nurses use to manage occupational stress related to shift work and marital responsibilities?
• How can healthcare institutions mitigate the impact of shift work and marital stress on nurses' well-being and job satisfaction?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

• H₀1: There is no significant relationship between shift work and occupational stress among nurses in Nigeria.
• H₀2: Nurses who experience shift work and marital responsibilities use different coping mechanisms to manage occupational stress compared to those who do not experience these stressors.
• H₀3: Marital status has a significant influence on occupational stress among nurses in Nigeria.
• H₀4: The interaction between shift work and marital status significantly affects occupational stress among nurses in Nigeria.
• H₀5: Healthcare institutions that implement supportive policies can significantly reduce the impact of shift work and marital stress on nurses' occupational stress levels.

1.6 Significance of Study

The outcome of this research will inform policymakers and contribute to the design of work schedules that promote work-life balance, particularly in a profession known for its high levels of stress. Additionally, Nurses will benefit from this study as it will help to highlight the specific stressors they face due to shift work and marital status, leading to better mental health support and workplace accommodations.

Furthermore, the findings of this study will be significant for healthcare administrators, as they will provide crucial information on how shift work and marital status contribute to occupational stress, enabling them to design better work schedules and policies that promote nurse well-being.

Lastly, this research will serve as a foundation for future studies on occupational health, particularly within the nursing profession, offering insights that can be applied to similar settings in other countries.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study will focus on the influence of shift work and marital status on occupational stress among nurses in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study will specifically target public and private healthcare institutions within the state, including major hospitals such as Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and other selected healthcare facilities.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study was limited by several factors that impacted its scope and the interpretation of findings.

1. The study was affected by delays from respondents, particularly nurses who were engaged in demanding work schedules, making it difficult to gather responses within the intended timeframe.
2. Financial constraints were also a limiting factor, as they restricted the number of hospitals and nurses that could be included in the study.
3. Furthermore, time constraints were present, which affected the depth of follow-up interactions and the ability to gather extensive qualitative data from the respondents.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Shift Work:

Shift work refers to a working schedule that is divided into different periods or shifts, typically to ensure continuous operation of healthcare facilities, especially in nursing. These shifts can include daytime, evening, night, and rotating shifts. Nurses, in particular, often work shifts that extend beyond the traditional 9-to-5 workday, leading to disruptions in their biological rhythms and sleep patterns (Costa, 2010). Shift work is known to impact the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers, potentially contributing to higher levels of stress due to irregular working hours, fatigue, and social isolation (Smith, 2013).

Marital Status:

Marital status is the legal status of an individual's relationship, whether married, single, divorced, or widowed. It can influence how individuals manage personal, professional, and social demands. For nurses, marital status plays a role in how they balance work-life responsibilities, especially when managing stress. Married nurses may experience different stressors than their single counterparts, such as the added responsibilities of family care or potential conflicts between work shifts and family commitments (Khatibi, 2016).

Occupational Stress:

Occupational stress refers to the psychological and physiological strain experienced by individuals as a result of their work environment, responsibilities, and demands. In the nursing profession, occupational stress can stem from high workload, emotional strain, long hours, shift work, and interpersonal conflicts at the workplace (Aiken et al., 2012). Nurses are particularly vulnerable to work-related stress, which can lead to burnout, depression, and decreased job satisfaction, affecting their overall productivity and well-being.