Impact of Shift-Work on Psychosomatic Health Among Nurses Working in Rotating and Day Shift: A Cross-Sectional Study in India

Objective: Shift work, essential in healthcare, disrupts circadian rhythms and contributes to psychosomatic problems. Evidence on the impact of shift patterns among Indian nurses is scarce. To assess the prevalence and predictors of psychosomatic symptoms among nurses in relation to shift engagement, schedule type, duration, and workplace setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 384 nurses in northern India used the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) to measure psychosomatic symptoms. Data were analyzed with chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression. Results: Nearly two-thirds of participants reported medium to high levels of psychosomatic symptoms. Nurses engaged in shift work were significantly more likely to report medium (39.7%) and high (28.3%) symptom levels compared to non-shift workers (p=0.036). A significant association was found between work schedule type (three shifts) and higher symptom levels (p=0.014), but not shift duration. Shift-working nurses reported significantly higher frequencies of stomach pain, back pain, body pain, headaches, nausea/indigestion, tiredness/low energy, and trouble sleeping. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that nurses working in three-shift and irregular schedules were significantly more likely to report high psychosomatic symptom levels compared to those in fixed schedules (odds ratios 3.02 and 5.22, respectively). Nurses in government hospitals also exhibited a higher symptom burden. Engagement in shift work and shift duration were not significant predictors. Conclusion: The type and structure of work schedules, rather than shift work alone, have a strong influence on psychosomatic health. Shift-sensitive scheduling and institutional policies informed by chronobiology are necessary to protect nurses’ well-being and ensure high-quality care.