1. Introduction

Chidiebere Emmanuel Okechukwu is a healthcare scientist recognized for his significant contributions to the understanding of the relationship between circadian rhythms and mental health, particularly among nurses working night shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic. His research has underscored the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in maintaining mental health amid demanding work schedules.

2. Education

Education

Okechukwu earned his PhD in infectious diseases, microbiology, and public health from Sapienza University of Rome in 2023. Following this, in 2024, he advanced his expertise by obtaining a postgraduate certificate in clinical echocardiography,  from the University of the West of England.

3. Career

Career

Currently, Dr. Okechukwu serves as a healthcare scientist in clinical echocardiography at the cardiology department of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust in Plymouth, United Kingdom. His work in this role reflects his commitment to advancing healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes through innovative research and clinical application.

4. Research Contributions

Research Contributions

Dr. Okechukwu’s research has primarily focused on the intersection of circadian rhythms and mental health, a topic that gained urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shift work, especially among healthcare professionals, has been a longstanding issue, often leading to sleep disorders and associated mental health challenges. His study, titled "Circadian Rhythm and Mental Health Relationships Among Nurses Working Night Shifts in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic," underscores the psychological toll that night shifts can take on nurses, a group already under immense pressure due to the pandemic's demands. By  employing a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, Dr. Okechukwu has been able to provide compelling evidence of how disrupted circadian rhythms can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression among healthcare workers. His findings have implications not only for individual well-being but also for organizational policies regarding shift scheduling and support systems for staff. The research advocates for the implementation of strategies aimed at mitigating the negative effects of shift work, such as flexible scheduling, mental health days, and targeted wellness programs.

References

 Okechukwu, ^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]}CHIDIEBERE EMMANUEL (2023-05-25). "Circadian rhythm and mental health relationships among nurses working night shifts in the era of COVID-19 pandemic" (in it). Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza".

 Okechukwu, C.; Robertson, D.; La Torre, G. (2023-03-07). "Lifestyle behaviors among Canadian nurses working night shifts in the COVID-19 era: a pilot study". LA CLINICA TERAPEUTICA (2): 152–158. doi:10.7417/CT.2023.2513. ISSN 1972-6007.

 "The Relationship between Working Night Shifts and Depression among Nurses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis". Healthcare 11 (7): 937. 24 March 2023. doi:10.3390/healthcare11070937.

 "Biological and practical considerations regarding circadian rhythm and mental health relationships among nurses working night shifts: a narrative review and recommendations.". Rivista Di Psichiatria 57 (2): 67–79. 16 April 2022. doi:10.1708/3790.37738.

 "I-PHAN Study - Use of E-learning modules to Promote Physical activity and wellness among Nurses in order to improve mental and physical health: A research protocol for a randomized controlled trial.". Clinica Terapeutica 172 (6): 559–563. 22 November 2021. doi:10.7417/ct.2021.2378.

 Okechukwu, C.; Masala, D.; D’Ettorre, G. (2022-03-30). "Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise as an adjunct intervention to improve sleep quality among rotating shift nurses". LA CLINICA TERAPEUTICA (2): 184–186. doi:10.7417/CT.2022.2414. ISSN 1972-6007.

 "Effectiveness of bright light exposure, modafinil and armodafinil for improving alertness during working time among nurses on the night shift: A systematic review". International journal of healthcare management 15 (4): 336–346. 28 March 2022. doi:10.1080/20479700.2022.2054508.

 Working permanent night shifts and insomnia among nurses, 2021, retrieved 12 November 2024

 Chidiebere Okechukwu, E.; Tibaldi, L.; La Torre, G (2020-09-10). "The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental healthof Nurses". LA CLINICA TERAPEUTICA (5): 399–400. doi:10.7417/CT.2020.2247. ISSN 1972-6007.

 Srl, Cantieri Informatici (2022-07-15). "INFECTIOUS DISEASES, MICROBIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH".