1099 RELATIONSHIPS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS, SLEEP DISTURBANCES, AND DEPRESSION AMONG HOSPITAL NURSES OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS, SLEEP DISTURBANCES, AND DEPRESSION AMONG HOSPITAL NURSES

• Published in: Sleep (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 40; no. suppl_1; p. A410
• Main Authors: Zhang, Y, Duffy, J, de Castillero, ER
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 28.04.2017
• Subjects: Mental depression; Musculoskeletal diseases; Nurses; Shift work; Sleep deprivation; Sleep disorders
• ISSN: 0161-8105; 1550-9109
• DOI: 10.1093/sleepj/zsx050.1098

Abstract Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of pain and disability among healthcare workers, and are frequently accompanied by comorbid symptoms, such as depression. Sleep plays an integral part in mental wellness with sleep disturbances contributing to mental disorders such as depression. However, the relationships among MSDs, sleep disturbances, and depression haven’t been well studied. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at a community hospital in Northeast US. MSDs were assessed for six body regions: low back, shoulder, neck, wrist/forearm, knee, and ankle/feet; and were defined as “yes” for participants reporting moderate, severe, or extreme pain in any region. Depression and sleep disturbances were measured with the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale, and the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Short Form. Work factors assessed included shift work, physical demands, psychological demands, decision authority, social support, and work-family conflict. Baron and Kenny’s method (1986) was used to assess the mediating and moderating effects. Results: Among 397 nurses (95% female; age 43 ± 12 y), 47.4% reported MSDs, 11.4% reported moderate to severe sleep disturbances, and 24.4% reported depression. Multivariate robust Poisson regressions found that MSDs (PR=1.49, p<0.05) and moderate to severe sleep disturbances (PR=2.00, p<0.01) were associated with increased risk of depression, after adjustment for age, gender, race, BMI, regular exercise, shift work, and other work factors. However, moderate to severe sleep disturbances did not mediate or moderate the association between MSDs and depression. Conclusion: Both MSDs and sleep disturbances were associated with depression, and therefore need to be considered in future interventions to promote mental well-being of nurses. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the causal relationships among these factors. Future studies with a larger sample size should re-examine the role of sleep disturbances in the association between MSDs and depression. Support (If Any): This study was supported by a University of Massachusetts Lowell Faculty Start-up Award to YZ. JFD is supported by R01 AG044416.