The Effect of Working-hour Characteristics and Health Status of Nurses on Work–life Balance: Using the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the characteristics of nurses’ work schedules, health outcomes, and work–life balance. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis that included 422 nurses in Korean hospitals. Descriptive analysis, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to identify the associated factors. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis showed that work–life balance was lower when atypical work was performed (β=-.14, p=.010). Nurses who did not work overtime showed a higher level of work–life balance than those who worked overtime infrequently (β=-.11, p=.002) or frequently (β=-.28, p<.001). The work–life balance level increased when nurses had better subjective health status (β=.16, p<.001) or higher sleep quality (β=.29, p<.001). It was verified that the work–life balance level was higher for single-person households than for households with two (β=-.18, p=.003), three to four (β=-.16, p=.022), or five or more (β=-.21, p<.001) persons. Conclusion: This study suggests that government and hospital organizations should provide high-quality care and consideration to nurses who do atypical or overtime work as well as their subjective health status and sleep quality. Further research should focus on the development of a policy that improves the work–life balance of nurses, especially for those who work during atypical hours.