Abstract
BACKGROUND: Poor sleep quality among nurses can negatively impact their performance, leading to increased risks of errors in nursing practice, which directly affect patient safety. However, there is limited research on the factors influencing sleep quality and its subsequent consequences on patient safety, particularly in tertiary hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing sleep quality and the prevalence of poor sleep quality among nurses at tertiary hospitals in Kelantan. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary care hospitals in Kelantan between December 2023 and February 2024. A proportionate stratified random sampling method was employed to recruit a sample of 470 registered nurses. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire comprising 19 items across seven component scores. RESULTS: The prevalence of poor sleep quality among nurses was found to be 69.8%. The study identified several significant factors associated with poor sleep quality, including sleep duration (aOR 0.291; 95% CI: 0.215-0.393; p < 0.001), years of work experience (aOR 0.953; 95% CI: 0.924-0.984; p = 0.003), history of involvement in medication errors (aOR 2.669; 95% CI: 1.413-5.041; p = 0.002), and experiences of commuting injury (aOR 1.869; 95% CI: 1.119-3.121; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of poor sleep quality among nurses highlights the need for targeted interventions to address this issue. In addition to ongoing education, implementing sleep hygiene programs, offering stress management workshops, and introducing flexible work schedules could significantly improve sleep quality. Creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes nurse well-being is crucial for enhancing patient safety and overall healthcare outcomes.