The Number of Monthly Night Shift Days and Depression Were Associated with an Increased Risk of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Emergency Physicians in South Korea

This study aimed to report the prevalence and identify the factors associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among emergency physicians in South Korea. We analyzed the Korean Emergency Physicians Survey data from 15 January to 26 February 2021. EDS was evaluated using the Epworth sleepiness scale, and a score of 11 or more indicated the presence of EDS. We conducted univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to verify the associated factors. A total of 1307 participants responded to the survey, and the response rate was 61.3%. Nine hundred fifty-four participants were included in the study. Two hundred ninety-three participants were classified as the EDS group, and six hundred sixty-one were classified as the non-EDS group. The prevalence of EDS was 30.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 27.8-33.6%). Monthly night-shift days (odds ratio (OR) 1.106, 95% CI 1.028-1.191) and depression (OR 2.635, 95% CI 1.799-3.861) were significantly associated with an increased risk of EDS, and fair sleep quality (OR 0.560, 95% CI 0.318-0.985) was associated with a decreased risk of EDS. Almost one in three emergency physicians in South Korea suffer from daytime sleepiness. The number of monthly night-shift days and depression were associated with an increased risk of EDS.