Methods: This is a cross sectional, comparative study, using purposive sampling technique. The sample consisted of registered female nurses (N=500) aged 25-45years working in government and private hospitals selected from rural and urban areas of Thiruvananthapuram city. Nursing stress scale were used to assess the level of stress. The various occupational hazards exposed by the respondents were studied. Reproductive health profile of nurses werealso studied. Anthropometry, biochemical, dietary and clinical assessment methods were used to elicit their nutritional status. Two major criteria for the selection of sample were 1) minimum of 5 years of experience 2) nurses working on shift bases.

Results: Stress of nurses were observed to be moderate to high, in both sectors. They were also exposed to various occupational hazards. PCOD and fibroid were the most reported reproductive health problems among them. The nurses had poor dietary practices along with high prevalence of underweight and abdominal obesity. Biochemical analysis of blood samples indicated the prevalence of anemia, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension.

Conclusion: This study has identified there is a large lacuna in the health profile of nurses. There is an urgent need by hospital managements and policy makers to ensure quality nursing service through staff development and training programs. A more congenial work environment will be more cost-effective in the long term.