Work-related characteristics and sleep quality of nurses in comprehensive nursing care units of small-medium sized hospitals

The purpose of this study was to examine the sleep quality of nurses in the comprehensive nursing care units of small-medium sized hospitals, and general and work-related characteristics associated with sleep quality of nurses. Methods: Participants were 312 nurses in comprehensive nursing care units of eight small and medium hospitals. The data were collected between June and August, 2018. A survey questionnaire including, sleep quality, general, and work-related characteristics of nurses was used. The data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 23.0 program with descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and x² test. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with sleep quality. Results: The average score for sleep quality was 8.58±3.18 (0∼21). Using a cut-off point of 8.5, 51.9% were poor sleepers. Sleep quality was associated with age (Odds Ratio [OR]=0.93, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=0.88∼0.99). Conclusion: Age was identified as a factor associated with sleep quality among nurses in the comprehensive nursing care units at small and medium sized hospitals. Researchers and nurse administrators need to develop and provide strategies to improve young nurses' sleep quality.