Associations of anxiety and fatigue with hazardous occupational conditions of Korean nurses in early pregnancy: A cross-sectional study

Aim: To identify occupational conditions associated with anxiety and fatigue among Korean nurses in early pregnancy. Background: Pregnant nurses, like non-pregnant hospital nurses, are exposed to dangerous and stressful work environments, which can affect fatigue and anxiety. Design and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 1490 nurses who participated in the early pregnancy module in the Korea Nurses' Health Study between 2014 and 2020. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were employed to identify the factors associated with anxiety and fatigue among nurses in early pregnancy. Results: One-fifth of participants were working night shifts, and more than two-thirds were working overtime. When using antineoplastic drugs and disinfectants, the rate of use of protective equipment varied depending on the size of the hospital. Working overtime and lifting heavy objects were associated with increased anxiety and fatigue among nurses. Conclusion: Overtime work was associated with both anxiety and fatigue among pregnant nurses. Pregnant hospital nurses were exposed to both night shift and overtime work. Therefore, hospital managers should improve hazardous working environments to protect the health of nurses in early pregnancy and their fetuses.