The Prospect of Hypertension and Diabetes among Saudi Healthcare Nightshift Workers
Khawla Mohammed Salih Elbasheri Jadkareem
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Al-Kharj Armed Forces Hospital, Saudi Arabia.
Hussain Gadelkarim Ahmed *
Prof Medical Research Consultancy Center, El-Obeid, Sudan and Department of Histopathology and Cytology, FMLS, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Night shift employment is linked to various health consequences, especially among healthcare professionals. This study aims to evaluate the prevalent chronic illnesses among medical personnel working extended night shifts in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: This study was a prospective descriptive investigation that was carried out in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, between the months of April and May of 2025. The information for this study was acquired through the use of an online questionnaire.
Results: Only 16% of participants had hypertension, with females at 44% and males at 56%. About 16% of the participants had diabetes, with males and girls evenly represented. Doctors made up the majority of study subjects (68%), with 90% attending night shift; nurses made up 20%, with 80% attending night shift; and other professions accounted for 12%, with 83% working night shifts.
Conclusion: Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prevalent among healthcare professionals working night shifts. The risk level escalates with an extended duration period.
Keywords: Night shift, hypertension, diabetes, medical staff, Saudi Arabia