Associations between sleep quality and coping style among front-line nurses: a cross-sectional study in China

Aims Good sleep is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, to prevent errors and injuries that may occur during caregiving. This study investigated the sleep quality and coping styles of nurses during the post-pandemic period, as well as related factors. Subject and methods An online observational cross-sectional study involving 1022 nursing staff was conducted. Participants completed questionnaires on job characteristics, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). Pearson's correlation and multiple logistic regression analyses confirmed interactions between these factors. Results A total of 1022 nurses completed the survey, of whom 90.90% (n = 929) were female, and 87.38% were over 25 years old. The PSQI score was 10.51(2.23), and 91.1% (n = 931) of the nurses had sleep disturbances. In this study, we found that PSQI was associated with SCSQ. Multivariate analysis showed that age (36-40 years), frequency of night shifts (9-11 times/month, >= 12 times/month), and less humanistic care were risk factors for sleep disorders among night shift nurses (P < 0.05), whereas frequency of exercise (1 time/week), non-attendance of training and learning after night shifts, and SCSQ positivity were protective factors for sleep disorders (P < 0.05). Conclusions Sleep quality of medical staff, especially nurses, was affected by shift work during the post-pandemic era. Designing the best strategy for employees who are more likely to have sleep disorders, such as experienced nurses, will support them through sleep hygiene education and strengthen the humanistic solicitude of nurses.