ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF NIGHT CALL DUTY ON SLEEP PATTERNS AMONG RADIOGRAPHERS WORKING IN BENIN CITY.
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Abstract
This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the impact of night call duty on the sleep patterns and associated symptoms among licensed radiographers and interns in Benin City, Nigeria. Given the very important 24-hour nature of diagnostic imaging services, this research addresses a critical gap in the body of knowledge regarding the occupational health impact of night call schedules within this specific group of professionals. A sample of 31 practicing
radiographers filled structured questionnaires detailing their night call schedules, sleep duration and as well as the occurrence of related symptoms. Descriptive and inferential analysis (using SPSS v29.0), confirmed all respondents engage in night call duty, involving shifts exceeding 12
hours sometimes. A significant association between night call duty and poor sleep quality (p <0.05), with a large proportion of radiographers reporting insufficient sleep (averaging less than 7 hours) and sleep disturbances, including multiple awakenings was discovered. These disturbances translate into a high prevalence of concerning symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and microsleep. The study concludes that the current night call duty model poses a substantial risk to the well-being of radiographers, potentially affecting their professional
performance and, increasing the risk of procedural errors that may compromise the safety of patients and coworkers. Policy recommendations include implementing stricter maximum shift duration limits, establishing mandatory post-call recovery periods, and providing dedicated on- site rest facilities to mitigate these occupational hazards.
radiographers filled structured questionnaires detailing their night call schedules, sleep duration and as well as the occurrence of related symptoms. Descriptive and inferential analysis (using SPSS v29.0), confirmed all respondents engage in night call duty, involving shifts exceeding 12
hours sometimes. A significant association between night call duty and poor sleep quality (p <0.05), with a large proportion of radiographers reporting insufficient sleep (averaging less than 7 hours) and sleep disturbances, including multiple awakenings was discovered. These disturbances translate into a high prevalence of concerning symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and microsleep. The study concludes that the current night call duty model poses a substantial risk to the well-being of radiographers, potentially affecting their professional
performance and, increasing the risk of procedural errors that may compromise the safety of patients and coworkers. Policy recommendations include implementing stricter maximum shift duration limits, establishing mandatory post-call recovery periods, and providing dedicated on- site rest facilities to mitigate these occupational hazards.
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