J Korean Biol Nurs Sci.  2022 Nov;24(4):209-218. 10.7586/jkbns.2022.24.4.209.

The Effect of Working-hour Characteristics and Health Status of Nurses on Work–life Balance: Using the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey

• Cho E
• Ju J
• Oh B

• KMID: 2536680
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.2022.24.4.209

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the characteristics of nurses’ work schedules, health outcomes, and work–life balance.
Methods
This was a secondary data analysis that included 422 nurses in Korean hospitals. Descriptive analysis, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to identify the associated factors.
Results
Multiple linear regression analysis showed that work–life balance was lower when atypical work was performed (β = -.14, p = .010). Nurses who did not work overtime showed a higher level of work–life balance than those who worked overtime infrequently (β = -.11, p = .002) or frequently (β = -.28, p < .001). The work–life balance level increased when nurses had better subjective health status (β = .16, p < .001) or higher sleep quality (β = .29, p < .001). It was verified that the work–life balance level was higher for single-person households than for households with two (β = -.18, p = .003), three to four (β = -.16, p = .022), or five or more (β = -.21, p < .001) persons.
Conclusion
This study suggests that government and hospital organizations should provide high-quality care and consideration to nurses who do atypical or overtime work as well as their subjective health status and sleep quality. Further research should focus on the development of a policy that improves the work–life balance of nurses, especially for those who work during atypical hours.

Keyword

Health Status; Hospital nursing staff; Shift work schedule; Work–life balance