The effect of glucose consumption on night shift nursing personnel accuracy in their job performance

Aims: Effect of glucose on improving brain cognition performance in general and accuracy in particular has been explored by many researchers. For Nurses accuracy in job performance is of paramount importance and any lapse could result in irreversible damage for patients. In this study we aim to determine the effect of blood glucose concentration on accuracy of job performance in nurses doing night shifts in selected military hospitals. Methods: Through a quasi-experimental study and convenience sampling, 60 nurses doing night shifts in two military hospitals in Tehran between September 2009 and April 2010 were recruited. Inclusion criteria were 1) Nurses working on night shifts (at least one shift in a week); 2) Minimum qualification of Bachelor of Science; 3) Normal visual accuracy (with glasses if necessary); 4) No Acute stress; 5) Lack of other concurrent disease; 6) Normal BMI. Exclusion criteria were 1) Patients having diabetes mellitus; 2)History of using drugs such as Thiazides and Steroids that interfere with blood sugar level ; 3) Pregnancy . Subjects were randomly assigned into case and control groups. Demographic data was collected through a questionnaire. Data on accuracy was collected using Tolus Pirven and Bonardel tests at 4-5 o’clock in the morning. Blood glucose concentration was measured before the intervention. Then case group were given 75gr glucose syrup and control group was received water without any added sugar. One hour after intervention accuracy tests were repeated and blood glucose reevaluated in both group. Key words: Glucose, accuracy, nurse, night work shift

Baghiatallah University of Medical Sciences