Prevalence and correlates of night eating syndrome among Chinese nurses: focus on depression and sleep quality
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Nurses are at a heightened risk for Night Eating Syndrome (NES) due to circadian rhythm disruptions from shift work, chronic stress, and irregular eating patterns. While the global prevalence of NES is rising, its status within the large and critical nursing workforce of China remains poorly understood. Specifically, there is a lack of data on the prevalence and unique work-related psychosocial factors associated with NES among Chinese nurses. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NES and identify its key influencing factors among clinical nurses in China. Methods A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Using convenience sampling, 311 nursing staff from three Class-A tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province were recruited as study participants from June to July 2025. Univariate χ 2 test and Mann–Whitney U test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the associated factors influencing nurses’ NES. Results Among 311 nurses, 14 were diagnosed with NES, yielding a prevalence rate of 4.5%. Statistically significant differences in NES prevalence were observed across departments, alcohol consumption status, night shift assignments, sleep quality, and self-reported depressive symptoms ( p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis further identified the following independent risk factors for NES: working in ICU departments (OR = 14.660, 95% CI: 1.565–137.287, p = 0.019), sleep disturbances (OR = 1.339, 95% CI: 1.057–1.696, p = 0.016), and depression (OR = 1.083, 95% CI: 1.008–1.164, p = 0.030). Conclusion This study indicates that, after adjusting for covariates, NES among Chinese nurses is significantly associated with departmental exposure, impaired sleep quality, and worsened depressive symptoms. To address this, hospital administrators should prioritize optimizing night shift scheduling in high-risk departments while integrating sleep management protocols and depression interventions. By preventing NES, these measures can enhance nurses’ physical and mental wellbeing and improve nursing care quality.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Authors: Shijie Fang, Ruixuan Zhao, Jimin Feng, Hongxu Wang, Dongwen Li
Institutions: North Sichuan Medical University, Chengdu Medical College
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4416936213