Impact of nursing shift patterns on work-related gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (predominantly cross-sectional)
PubMed 42326947 · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1839569
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD420251018324) searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL through May 2025 to evaluate associations between nursing work shifts and gastrointestinal disorders. Observational studies comparing nurses on fixed day shifts to those on rotating shifts (including night work) were included. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Joanna Briggs Institute tools, and risk of bias was assessed with ROBINS-E. Odds ratios (OR) were pooled using fixed- or random-effects models.
What was found
Seventeen studies were included in the review, with 13 included in the meta-analysis. Rotating shift work was associated with a statistically significant increase in overall gastrointestinal outcomes compared to day shifts (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02–1.30; p = 0.02; I² = 53%). Subgroup analyses showed significant associations for irritable bowel syndrome (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.27–2.37; I² = 0%) and diarrhea (OR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.01–5.75; I² = 0%). No significant associations were observed for colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes the occupational burden of shift work on nurses' gastrointestinal health, supporting targeted workplace strategies to address chronodisruption, stress, and lifestyle factors.
Limits
Most primary studies were cross-sectional and conducted in hospital settings, limiting causal inference. The abstract does not report the total participant sample size, and confounding and outcome reporting were noted as frequent concerns in the underlying literature.