Impact of Night Shift Work on Weight and Appetite Disturbances among Nurses: Health and Professional Implications

Siraj Sobhi Hamad; Mohamed Al-Siddiq Abdelmalik; Mabrouka Mohamed Al-Dangli; Ruqayya Adel Abdullah; Fatima Mabrouk Al-Sweisi

doi:10.33214/kqay6h89

Authors

Siraj Sobhi Hamad Higher Institute of Science and Technology, medical laboratory department Libya, Misurata Author
Mohamed Al-Siddiq Abdelmalik Libyan Authority for Scientific Research, Libya, Tripoli Author
Mabrouka Mohamed Al-Dangli Higher Institute of Science and Technology, nurse department, Libya, Misurata Author
Ruqayya Adel Abdullah Higher Institute of Science and Technology, nurse department, Libya, Misurata Author
Fatima Mabrouk Al-Sweisi Higher Institute of Science and Technology, nurse department, Libya, Misurata Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33214/kqay6h89

Keywords:

Night Shift, Weight, Nurses, Appetite

Abstract

case–control study was conducted at Misurata Medical Center to examine the impact of night shift work on weight and appetite disturbances among nurses. The sample included 74 participants divided into a case group of night‑shift nurses (51) and a control group of day‑shift nurses (23). Data were collected through measurements of weight, height, and several health indicators including subcutaneous fat in the triceps region, periorbital dark circles, facial pallor, sleep disturbances, job satisfaction, mood fluctuations, and swelling of the hands and feet. Repeated Measures ANOVA was applied to assess weight changes between the first and second month, revealing a significant difference when each group was analyzed separately (p-value = 0.001), indicating that weight change patterns varied according to work schedule. Chi‑square analysis further demonstrated a statistically significant association between work period and weight loss, with 80.6% of night‑shift nurses losing weight compared to 13.6% of day‑shift nurses. Night work was also significantly associated with periorbital dark circles (75% vs. 27.3%), facial pallor (84.8% vs. 50%), and sleep disturbances (75% vs. 31.8%). Appetite loss was more prevalent among night‑shift nurses (88.2% vs. 17.4%), accompanied by higher rates of mood instability and reduced subcutaneous fat accumulation in the triceps region (84.6% vs. 22.7%). Overall, the findings confirm that night shift work is closely linked to weight fluctuations, appetite disturbances, and multiple adverse health indicators, underscoring the serious impact of night work on the physical and psychological health of nurses.

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