[Relation between work-related stress and metabolic syndrome among Italian nurses.]

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among nurses, as well as the organizational impact of work-related stress as a consequence of MS among nurses in Italy. To study the organizational models, turnover rates, and job satisfaction among nurses, in a sample of Italian healthcare facilities.

BACKGROUND: MS is considered an important metabolic disorder in the modern world, responsible for diseases with economic effects on hospitals. Shift work (SW) seems to be a risk factor for MS, while the Mediterranean diet appears to be protective. Work-related stress causes loss of working days, and generates high costs for hospitals.

DESIGN: Prospective observational study.

METHODS: The first step will be to create and validate a questionnaire to investigate the prevalence of MS among Italian nurses. The second step will be to estimate the risk of work-related stress. Data regarding absenteeism and turnover will be collected, as indicators of impact on organization.

DISCUSSION: This study is the first to investigate the previously describe SW's factors and their impact on organizing nursing work. This study is relevant for the organizations because it helps to define organizational strategies that permit nurses to remain healthy, to be work efficient and therefore to be able to provide high level care.