Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Mood States of Junior Residents in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Junior residents of highly demanding clinical specialties, like, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, are an integral part in the functioning of hospitals. They work round the clock donning the role of caregiver as well as learner and are in a constant state of stress. Any alteration in mood while working in intensive set ups like labor room and operation theatre can adversely affect not only the physician’s performance but also patient safety. Aim: To evaluate the effect of sleep deprivation on mood states of junior residents in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department during call duty. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Armed Forces Medical College (tertiary care hospital), Pune, Maharashtra, India, from march 2019 to august 2019. The study included 37 junior residents of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, between age range of 25-40 years. Sleep diary was used to record resident’s sleep patterns, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) was used to assess the day time sleepiness. Profile of Mood States (POMS) score was calculated during pre-call and post-call duty. This data was used to ascertain any changes in mood post-call due to sleep deprivation. Statistical analysis was done using paired Student’s t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of 37 participants, 21 were males and 16 females. There was a significant worsening of post-call POMS score (5.24±27.82) from pre-call score (-6.86±23.70) following call duty associated with a decrease in mean night time sleep (p-value<0.001). Likewise increased KSS score was also noted after call duty (pre-call score was 3.03±1.65 vs post-call score was 5.73±2.05; p-value<0.001). This signifies that mood states are adversely affected by sleep deprivation in these residents. Conclusion: The study showed that there was a significant worsening of mood states due to sleep deprivation during call duties. This also mandates review of efficacy and feasibility of current policy regulating work hour schedule of junior residents in India.