Latent Profiles of Problematic Short‐Video Use and Presenteeism Among Hospital Nurses: The Mediating Role of Work Interference With Personal Life

ABSTRACT Aim To identify latent profiles of problematic short‐video use among nurses from three tertiary hospitals in Wuhan, examine factors associated with presenteeism and assess indirect associations through work interference with personal life. Design A cross‐sectional survey. Methods From October to December 2025, 680 nurses recruited through convenience sampling completed measures of problematic short‐video use, work interference with personal life and presenteeism. Latent profile, hierarchical multiple linear regression and bootstrap path analyses were conducted. The path model adjusted for age, monthly income and night‐shift frequency. Results Four profiles were identified: low‐symptom use, moderate escapism–tolerance, high escapism–persistent use and generalized high symptoms. Monthly income, work interference with personal life and membership in the moderate escapism–tolerance and generalized high‐symptom profiles were independently associated with presenteeism. Compared with the low‐symptom profile, all three other profiles were indirectly associated with greater presenteeism through work interference with personal life. Direct associations remained evident for the moderate escapism–tolerance and generalized high‐symptom profiles, but not for the high escapism–persistent‐use profile. Conclusion Problematic short‐video use was heterogeneous and associated with nurses' work–nonwork experiences and presenteeism. Work interference with personal life may represent a statistical pathway linking profile membership to presenteeism, although the cross‐sectional design precludes causal or temporal conclusions. Implications for the Profession Strategies that protect off‐job recovery, support healthy digital boundaries and reduce work interference with personal life warrant evaluation. Impact This study identifies distinct problematic‐use profiles and profile‐specific associations with work interference and presenteeism among nurses from three tertiary hospitals. Reporting Method The study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. No Patient or Public Contribution Patients and the public were not involved in the study design, conduct, analysis, interpretation or manuscript preparation.