The prevalence and factors of work-related fatigue among nurses: a meta-analysis and systematic review

Background Numerous studies have evaluated the level of work-related fatigue in nurses and its risk factors. However, none of these studies have rigorously assessed these through meta-analysis and systematic review. Objectives This study aimed to examine work-related fatigue among nurses and identify the factors that influence it. Method The review searched eight databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Chinese databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biological Medical (CBM), and WanFang Database. The temporal scope of the search encompasses a temporal interval commencing from inception and extending to October 2023. The PRISMA guideline was used to report the meta-analysis and systematic review. The research team conducted a comprehensive study of selection, quality assessments, data extraction and analysis of all included literature. The means and standard deviations of three subscales of work-related fatigue were pooled using random effects meta-analysis using Stata 18.0 software. The registration PROSPERO number is CRD42023456337. Results A total of 3259 initial studies were retrieved, of which 48 qualified articles were finally included in this article. The pooled mean scores of acute fatigue(AF), chronic fatigue(CF) and inter-shift recovery(IR) was 62.99(95% CI: 59.38–66.4), 51.30(95% CI: 46.82–55.78) and 49.15(95% CI: 43.92–54.37). Furthermore, the factors influencing nurses’ work-related fatigue included both organizational and individual variables. Conclusion Clinical nurses were at a moderately high level of acute and chronic fatigue. Four themes were summarized as factors influencing the level of work-related fatigue among nurses, including organizational culture, Management system, individual capability and individual acts. Consequently, Nurse’ work-related fatigue is a vital global issue that roots in multiple causes, and more resources should be used to improve current situation.