International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

6 pages, 702 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Can Night Shift Work Affect Biological Age? Hints from a Cross-Sectional Study on Hospital Female Nurses

by Michele Carugno, Cristina Maggioni, Vincenzo Ruggiero, Eleonora Crespi, Paola Monti, Luca Ferrari and Angela Cecilia Pesatori

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010639 - 11 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2597

Abstract

Disruption of age-related processes seems to play a relevant role in health effects related to night shift (NS) work. We aim to verify whether NS work can influence biological age (BA), estimated through Zbieć-Piekarska’s epigenetic signature, based on methylation of five CpG sites [...] Read more.

Disruption of age-related processes seems to play a relevant role in health effects related to night shift (NS) work. We aim to verify whether NS work can influence biological age (BA), estimated through Zbieć-Piekarska’s epigenetic signature, based on methylation of five CpG sites in ELOVL2, C1orf132/MIR29B2C, TRIM59, KLF14, and FHL2. Forty-six female nurses working in NS were matched by age and length of employment with 51 female colleagues not working in NS. Each subject filled in a questionnaire (including the Effort Reward Imbalance (ERI) index to assess job stress) and gave a blood sample. Age acceleration (AA) was estimated by regressing BA on chronological age and taking the residuals. Multivariate linear regression models were applied. BA was not associated with NS. However, we did observe an increase in AA per each year in NS in subjects with overweight/obesity (β = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.05; 0.87, p = 0.03), experiencing work-related stress (β = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.10; 1.06, p = 0.018), or both (β = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.03; 1.29, p = 0.041). Although based on a small sample size, our findings suggest an increased BA only among hypersusceptible subjects and is worth further investigation, also in light of recent results suggesting a higher breast cancer risk in women with increased AA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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19 pages, 1109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Is Work Ability Shaped in Groups of Shift and Non-Shift Workers? A Comprehensive Approach to Job Resources and Mediation Role of Emotions at Work

by Łukasz Baka, Dawid Ścigała, Łukasz Kapica, Andrzej Najmiec and Krzysztof Grala

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7730; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157730 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3619

Abstract

There is much less research on the relationship between shift work and positive states experienced in the workplace, e.g., emotions and work ability. Using the job demands-resources model, conservation of resources theory and the broaden-and-build theory as theoretical frameworks, the direct and indirect [...] Read more.

There is much less research on the relationship between shift work and positive states experienced in the workplace, e.g., emotions and work ability. Using the job demands-resources model, conservation of resources theory and the broaden-and-build theory as theoretical frameworks, the direct and indirect (mediated via positive and negative emotions) relations between the complex of job resources and work ability were tested in the group of shift and non-shift workers. Three types of resources related to task, leadership and interpersonal relations were taken into account. Data were collected among 1510 workers. Structural equation modelling (SEM) showed that only leadership was directly related to high work ability in both occupational groups. Indirect effects of positive and negative emotions were strongly supported. Both of them mediate the effects of the three analysed job resources on work ability, but individual job resources impacted were different. Leadership resources led to “good” work ability by the intensification of positive and reduction of negative emotions. Interpersonal resources decrease negative emotions. Task resources, conversely, intensified positive emotions, which in turn increased work ability. These research results shed more light on the ways of shaping work ability among shift and non-shift workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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11 pages, 767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Longitudinal Study of the Relationship between Shift Work and Prostate-Specific Antigen in Healthy Male Workers

by Yesung Lee, Woncheol Lee and Hyoung-Ryoul Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147458 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2027

Abstract

As shift work has become prevalent globally, it is important to evaluate the health effects of shift work on employees. Several studies have demonstrated a positive association between shift work and prostate cancer. Therefore, we aimed to further examine the relationship between shift [...] Read more.

As shift work has become prevalent globally, it is important to evaluate the health effects of shift work on employees. Several studies have demonstrated a positive association between shift work and prostate cancer. Therefore, we aimed to further examine the relationship between shift work and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Our study collected data from 66,817 male participants at baseline and followed up for about 6 years. We categorized shift worker status and shift schedule types. To evaluate the risk of elevated PSA on shift workers, we estimated hazard ratios using the Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. During a median follow-up of 4.1 years, 1030 participants developed elevated PSA. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of elevated PSA for shift workers compared with daytime workers was 1.37 (1.04–1.80). Among shift workers, rotating shift workers (HR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.06–2.03) showed a significantly increased risk of elevated PSA compared with daytime workers. Our longitudinal study provides evidence for an association between shift work, especially rotating shift work, and elevations of PSA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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14 pages, 350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Insomnia in Various Industries and Associated Demographic Factors in Night-Shift Workers Using Workers’ Specific Health Examination Data

by Jihye Lee, Yeonpyo Hong and Weonyoung Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6902; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136902 - 27 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2582

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of insomnia in various industries and the associated demographic factors. We searched the nationwide night-shift Workers’ Specific Health Examination (nsWSHE) data extracted in 2015 information on factors associated with insomnia, including sex, age, and the number [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of insomnia in various industries and the associated demographic factors. We searched the nationwide night-shift Workers’ Specific Health Examination (nsWSHE) data extracted in 2015 information on factors associated with insomnia, including sex, age, and the number of workers in the workplace. The prevalence of moderate insomnia in the total industry was 4.6%. Industries with a high prevalence of insomnia included the arts, sports, and recreation-related services industry, followed by the activities of household as employers industry, financial and insurance activities industry, human health and social welfare industry, and accommodation and food services activities industry. The prevalence of insomnia was higher in women. Age was a significant factor. In general, insomnia was highest among those aged ≥60 years. Insomnia was highest in small-sized companies with fewer than five employees compared to large enterprises with more than 1000 employees. This study is the first to analyze the prevalence of insomnia among night-shift workers who participated in the WSHEs. The findings of this study can be used to prioritize intervention policies for insomnia among night-shift workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

15 pages, 1048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Rotating Night Shift Work with Body Fat Percentage and Fat Mass Index among Female Steelworkers in North China

by Shengkui Zhang, Han Wang, Yongbin Wang, Miao Yu and Juxiang Yuan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6355; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126355 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5475

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of rotating night shift work with body fat percentage (BF%) and fat mass index (FMI). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 female steelworkers, aged 26–57 years in Tangshan, China. BF% was assessed [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of rotating night shift work with body fat percentage (BF%) and fat mass index (FMI). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 female steelworkers, aged 26–57 years in Tangshan, China. BF% was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis and FMI was calculated. Different exposure metrics of night shift work were used to examine the effects of night shift work on BF% and FMI. The duration (years), cumulative number (nights), and cumulative length of night shifts (hours) were positively correlated with FMI and BF%, and these relationships were independent of body mass index (BMI). Compared with day workers, night shift workers with an average frequency of night shifts >7 nights/month (odds ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17 to 5.35) and percentage of hours on night shifts >30% (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.21 to 5.39) had elevated odds of obesity (BF% ≥ 35.0%). Nonobese night shift workers by the BMI criterion should also be alert to the risk of the excess accumulation of body fat, which is actually responsible for most obesity-associated adverse health consequences. Health interventions for related populations need to be improved, which is currently more focused on overall weight control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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10 pages, 857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Shift Work and Reflux Esophagitis: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study

by Eunchan Mun, Daehoon Kim, Yesung Lee, Woncheol Lee and Soyoung Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6189; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126189 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2498

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between shift work and reflux esophagitis verified by endoscopic findings. Participants underwent a comprehensive health examination and esophagogastroduodenoscopy between January 2011 and December 2018. We examined endoscopic findings and performed multivariate-adjusted regression analysis of the association between [...] Read more.

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between shift work and reflux esophagitis verified by endoscopic findings. Participants underwent a comprehensive health examination and esophagogastroduodenoscopy between January 2011 and December 2018. We examined endoscopic findings and performed multivariate-adjusted regression analysis of the association between shift work and reflux esophagitis using multiple demographic and clinical factors. Among the 247,450 participants, 49,767 (20.1%) had reflux esophagitis; Los Angeles (LA)-M (31,132, 12.6%) was most common, followed by LA-A (16,213, 6.6%), LA-B (2333, 0.9%), and ≥LA-C (89, 0.04%). The multivariate-fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) of overall reflux esophagitis for shift work compared to fixed day work was 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.19). When classified according to shift work type and severity of reflux esophagitis, the ORs of LA-A for regular day and night, and irregular shifts compared to fixed day works were 1.14 (95% CI: 1.03–1.26) and 1.26 (95% CI: 1.11–1.44), respectively. However, there was no significant association between any shift work schedule and ≥LA-B. Overall, we demonstrated the cross-sectional association between shift work (especially rotating and irregular shifts) and mild reflux esophagitis (≤LA-A) compared with daily fixed time shifts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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7 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shift Work and Dry Eye Disease in the Korean Working Population: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

by Joonho Ahn, So-Jung Ryu, Jihun Song and Hyoung-Ryoul Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5492; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105492 - 20 May 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3030

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the association between shift work and dry eye disease (DED) in the general population. The 2011 Korea Health Panel (KHP) was used. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between shift work and [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between shift work and dry eye disease (DED) in the general population. The 2011 Korea Health Panel (KHP) was used. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between shift work and DED. Stratification analysis was conducted by sex and age. Overall, the odds ratio (OR) of DED according to shift work did not showed significant results (adjusted OR = 1.230, 95% CI 0.758–1.901). When findings were stratified based on age older or younger than 40 years, the OR of DED increased to 2.85 (95% CI: 1.25–5.90) in shift workers under 40 years of age. Our results show an association between shift work and DED in a group of younger subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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12 pages, 458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Salivary Biomarkers and Work-Related Stress in Night Shift Workers

by Giusi Briguglio, Michele Teodoro, Sebastiano Italia, Francesca Verduci, Manuela Pollicino, Manuela Coco, Annalisa De Vita, Elvira Micali, Angela Alibrandi, Giuseppe Lembo, Chiara Costa and Concettina Fenga

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3184; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063184 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3779

Abstract

Work organization, such as shifts and night work, can interfere with the perception of work-related stress and therefore on the development of pathological conditions. Night shift work, particularly, can have a negative impact on workers’ wellbeing by interfering with the biological sphere. The [...] Read more.

Work organization, such as shifts and night work, can interfere with the perception of work-related stress and therefore on the development of pathological conditions. Night shift work, particularly, can have a negative impact on workers’ wellbeing by interfering with the biological sphere. The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between work activities, shift work effects and stress-related responses in 106 dock workers enrolled in southeast Italy. Dock workers’ tasks consist of complex activities that seemed to affect more sleep quality than work-related stress. An analysis of salivary biomarkers such as cortisol, α-amylase, melatonin and lysozyme was performed along with validated psycho-diagnostic questionnaires. Alpha-amylase showed a significant negative correlation with the effort/reward imbalance score; thus, the measurement of salivary α-amylase is proposed as a sensitive and non-invasive biomarker of work-related stress. This study may provide new insights into developing strategies for the management of night shift work. Salivary biomarkers should be further investigated in the future in order to develop simple and effective tools for the early diagnosis of work-related stress or its outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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10 pages, 501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Long Working Hours and Shift Work on Perceived Unmet Dental Need: A Panel Study

by Hye-Eun Lee, Nam-Hee Kim, Tae-Won Jang and Ichiro Kawachi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2939; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062939 - 13 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2265

Abstract

This study investigates whether workers with long working hours as well as shift workers perceive higher unmet dental care needs, and whether there is a gender difference in the associations. We used the Korea Health Panel (2009, 2011–2014) involving 20,451 person-wave observations from [...] Read more.

This study investigates whether workers with long working hours as well as shift workers perceive higher unmet dental care needs, and whether there is a gender difference in the associations. We used the Korea Health Panel (2009, 2011–2014) involving 20,451 person-wave observations from 5567 individuals. Perceived unmet dental care needs was defined when the participants reported that they perceived a need for dental treatment or check-up but had failed to receive dental care services during the past year. Fixed effects logit models were applied to examine how changes in weekly working hours or shift work status were linked to changes in perceived unmet dental needs within each individual. Among participants, 15.9–24.7% reported perceived unmet dental needs and the most common reason was time scarcity. We found that long working hours (>52 h/week) was significantly associated with perceived unmet dental needs due to time scarcity in both men (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.13–1.78) and women (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.03–1.79) compared workers working 40–52 h per week. Shift work was also a significant risk factor, but only in women (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.06–2.32). These findings provide evidence for labor policies to reduce working hours in order to improve access to dental care services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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13 pages, 705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dose-Response Relationship between Night Work and the Prevalence of Impaired Fasting Glucose: The Korean Worker’s Special Health Examination for Night Workers Cohort

by Jae Yong Lee, Ji-Won Lee, Won Seon Choi and Jun-Pyo Myong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1854; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041854 - 14 Feb 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2372

Abstract

Many studies have been conducted regarding the association between night work and diabetes, but the association between impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and night work is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate this association using the Special Health Examination (SHEW) [...] Read more.

Many studies have been conducted regarding the association between night work and diabetes, but the association between impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and night work is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate this association using the Special Health Examination (SHEW) for Korean night workers. Laboratory, questionnaire, and physical examination data were collected for 80,077 manual workers between 2014 and 2016 from Korea Medical Institute, and associations of the data with IFG were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression model. The odds ratios for IFG among those who worked night shifts for 2~5 years, 5~12 years, and 12 years or over (ref: <2 years) after adjusting for abdominal obesity were 1.14 (0.90–1.45), 1.41 (1.10–1.81), and 1.75 (1.41–2.19), respectively. A dose–response relationship was identified between the duration of night work and the prevalence of IFG (p for trend <0.05). A dose relationship remained significant when a subgroup of non-obese participants was analyzed. We identified an association and a dose–response relationship between the number of years of night work and IFG. To prevent the development of diabetes in night workers, we suggest that they should be pre-emptively screened and treated from the stage of IFG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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12 pages, 1124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Irregular Work Hours and the Risk of Sleep Disturbance Among Korean Service Workers Required to Suppress Emotion

by Sehyun Yun, Minsuk Kim, Won-Tae Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon and Jong-Uk Won

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041517 - 5 Feb 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2751

Abstract

Although a necessity in a modern society, irregular work schedule can lead to sleep problems. We investigated the effect of work schedule irregularity on sleep disturbance of 17,846 Korean service workers using the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey. The odds ratio (OR) and [...] Read more.

Although a necessity in a modern society, irregular work schedule can lead to sleep problems. We investigated the effect of work schedule irregularity on sleep disturbance of 17,846 Korean service workers using the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for sleep disturbance occurrence were calculated through a multiple logistic regression model. The adjusted ORs for moderate and severe sleep disturbances for those with irregular work hours were 2.11 (95% CI 1.90–2.33) and 3.10 (95% CI 2.62–3.66), respectively. Work schedule irregularity and emotion suppression at work showed synergistic effect on both moderate and severe sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances can lead to brain function deterioration and work-related injuries; therefore, appropriate measures should be addressed for the vulnerable population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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9 pages, 675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Decreased Night Work on Workers’ Musculoskeletal Symptoms: A Quasi-Experimental Intervention Study

by Hye-Eun Lee, Min Choi, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim and Ichiro Kawachi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 9092; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239092 - 5 Dec 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2586

Abstract

A possible association between night shift work and musculoskeletal disorder has been suggested. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of decreased night work on musculoskeletal pain. Difference-in-difference estimation was used to compare changes in musculoskeletal pain between shift workers (N = [...] Read more.

A possible association between night shift work and musculoskeletal disorder has been suggested. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of decreased night work on musculoskeletal pain. Difference-in-difference estimation was used to compare changes in musculoskeletal pain between shift workers (N = 122) and non-shift workers (N = 170) in a manufacturing company before and after the introduction of a new shift system eliminating overnight work. Musculoskeletal pain was measured by a questionnaire asking if workers had symptoms in specific body parts, including the neck, shoulder, arm/elbow, wrist/hand, back, and leg/foot, over the past year. Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate changes in pre- versus post-intervention musculoskeletal pain rates between the treated and control group. In the difference-in-difference (DID) models, prevalence of musculoskeletal pain for shoulder (−10.3%), arm (−12.9%), all sites combined (−9.2%), and upper extremity combined (−14.8%) showed significant decreases from pre- to post-intervention among the treated group (shift workers) compared to the control group (non-shift workers) after controlling for age and weekly working hours. Decreasing night work was related to improvement in musculoskeletal pain in shift workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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9 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association between Shift Work and Health-Related Productivity Loss due to Either Sickness Absence or Reduced Performance at Work: A Cross-Sectional Study of Korea

by Seong-Sik Cho, Dong-Wook Lee and Mo-Yeol Kang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8493; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228493 - 16 Nov 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3393

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between shift work and health-related productivity loss (HRPL) due to either sickness absence or reduced performance at work. Methods: From January 2020 to February 2020, data were collected using [...] Read more.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between shift work and health-related productivity loss (HRPL) due to either sickness absence or reduced performance at work. Methods: From January 2020 to February 2020, data were collected using the web-based questionnaire. Workers in Korea (n = 4197) were selected with the convenience sampling method. To evaluate HRPL, the Korean version of the “Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire” was used. The nonparametric association between shift work and HRPL was determined. To estimate productivity loss by shift work, generalised linear models were used, and the productivity loss of workers who did not do shift work was used as the reference. Contrasts between the reference (non-shift work) and shift work, including the shift work subtype, were demonstrated. In the adjusted model, age, gender, and occupation were included as covariates. To test whether there were differences in this association by gender, a gender-stratified analysis was conducted. Results: Shift work significantly reduced productivity (2.5% points; 95% CI: 0.2–4.6). The fixed night shift had the largest productivity loss (7.7% points; 95% CI: 1.8–13.7), and the relationship between HRPL and shift work was more prominent among female workers. Conclusions: Shift work is related to an increase in HRPL, and there are gender differences in this association. Our study further indicated that a fixed night shift is most detrimental to workers’ health and productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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10 pages, 625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Work Schedule Irregularity and the Risk of Work-Related Injury among Korean Manual Workers

by Won-Tae Lee, Sung-Shil Lim, Jihyun Kim, Sehyun Yun, Jin-Ha Yoon and Jong-Uk Won

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7617; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207617 - 19 Oct 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2590

Abstract

Work schedules comprise various variables and generate health and safety outcomes, including work-related injury, which causes socioeconomic problems, such as productivity loss and damage to worker health. We investigated the association between work schedule irregularity and the incidence of work-related injury among South [...] Read more.

Work schedules comprise various variables and generate health and safety outcomes, including work-related injury, which causes socioeconomic problems, such as productivity loss and damage to worker health. We investigated the association between work schedule irregularity and the incidence of work-related injury among South Korean manual workers using data from the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey. In total, 18,330 manual workers were included. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to understand the association between work schedule and work-related injury and the influence of sufficient safety information and work schedule on work-related injury. We calculated the influence of an irregular work schedule on occupational injury after controlling for personal and work environment-related factors. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for work-related injury was 1.66 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–2.09) for an irregular work schedule. The interaction had an additive effect when the work schedule was irregular, even when sufficient safety information was provided. Manual workers had a higher incidence of injury (2.1%). Even in adjusted analyses, work schedule irregularity conferred greater risks of work injury, particularly when not working the same number of days weekly (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.21–1.90). Policymakers and health professionals need to consider the impact of work schedule irregularity on worker safety and health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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11 pages, 574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Moderating Effect of Nursing Practice Environment on the Relationship between Clinical Nurses’ Sleep Quality and Wellness

by Kyung Jin Hong and Youngjin Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7068; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197068 - 27 Sep 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3220

Abstract

This study examined the moderating effect of nursing practice environment on the relationship between clinical nurses’ sleep quality and wellness. The wellness of clinical nurses is a direct outcome of individual-level health behaviors and organizational environmental factors. This study was a cross-sectional analysis. [...] Read more.

This study examined the moderating effect of nursing practice environment on the relationship between clinical nurses’ sleep quality and wellness. The wellness of clinical nurses is a direct outcome of individual-level health behaviors and organizational environmental factors. This study was a cross-sectional analysis. Participants were clinical nurses recruited using convenience sampling. The Nurse Practice Environment Scale, Wellness Index, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Korean version (PSQI-K) were used. Data collected from 1874 nurses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression analyses. A total of 95.3% of the participants were women, and the mean age was 28.8 years. Further, 42.4% of the participants had a nursing career of 5 years or longer. The mean score for nursing practice environment was 2.24 and the mean PSQI-K score was 9.39. Nurses with less than 1 year of experience reported lower wellness scores. The wellness scores decreased with poorer sleep quality, and a more positive evaluation of the nursing practice environment predicted higher levels of wellness. Nursing practice environment had a moderating effect on the negative association of nurses’ poor sleep quality with their wellness. Regarding management, individual strategies for nurses’ well-being and organizational improvement policies may improve the nursing work environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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17 pages, 539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Night Shift Work, Chronotype, Sleep Duration, and Prostate Cancer Risk: CAPLIFE Study

by Macarena Lozano-Lorca, Rocío Olmedo-Requena, María-Victoria Vega-Galindo, Fernando Vázquez-Alonso, Antonio Jiménez-Pacheco, Inmaculada Salcedo-Bellido, María-José Sánchez and José-Juan Jiménez-Moleón

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6300; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176300 - 29 Aug 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3933

Abstract

To analyze the association between prostate cancer (PCa) risk and night shift work, chronotype, and sleep duration in the context of a population-based case-control study of incident prostate cancer in Spain, a total of 465 PCa cases and 410 controls were analyzed. Selection [...] Read more.

To analyze the association between prostate cancer (PCa) risk and night shift work, chronotype, and sleep duration in the context of a population-based case-control study of incident prostate cancer in Spain, a total of 465 PCa cases and 410 controls were analyzed. Selection criteria were: (i) age 40–80 years, and (ii) residence in the coverage area of the reference hospitals for ≥6 months before recruitment. Exposure variables were: (i) night shift work (permanent or rotating); (ii) chronotype: morning, neither, or evening (Munich ChronoType Questionnaire) and (iii) sleep duration according to the recommendations of the American National Sleep Foundation. PCa aggressiveness was determined according to the International Society of Urology Pathology classification. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using logistic regression models. Night shift work was associated with PCa, aOR = 1.47 (95% CI 1.02–2.11), especially for rotating night shifts, aOR = 1.73 (95% CI 1.09–2.75). The magnitude of the association between ever night work and PCa was higher in evening subjects with aOR = 3.14 (95% CI 0.91–10.76) than in morning chronotypes with an aOR = 1.25 (95% CI 0.78–2.00). Working night shifts, especially rotating night shifts, could increase PCa risk. This risk may be higher in people with an evening chronotype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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14 pages, 1689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Cortisol level by Shift Cycle in Korean Firefighters

by Ga-Young Lim, Tae-Won Jang, Chang-Sun Sim, Yeon Soon Ahn and Kyoung Sook Jeong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(13), 4760; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134760 - 2 Jul 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3128

Abstract

(1) Study Objectives: By investigating the change of cortisol levels during shift cycles among professional firefighters in Korea, this study aims to evaluate the difference between individuals’ stress response and the recovery of their circadian rhythm after working night shifts. (2) Methods: A [...] Read more.

(1) Study Objectives: By investigating the change of cortisol levels during shift cycles among professional firefighters in Korea, this study aims to evaluate the difference between individuals’ stress response and the recovery of their circadian rhythm after working night shifts. (2) Methods: A total of 325 shift firefighters, who were working in 3, 6, 9, or 21 day cycles, participated in the study. Their urinary and serum cortisol levels were measured during the day (09–18), during the night (18–09), and every 24 h (09–09) per shift cycle, and adjustments were made for confounding factors. (3) Results: Serum cortisol levels were significantly increased after working during the night or for 24 h compared with that of working throughout the day. However, whether working night or 24 h shifts, the serum cortisol levels were undoubtedly different based on the 3, 6, 9, or 21 day cycles. In all shift cycles, the urinary cortisol level decreased during the night or throughout the 24 h shifts compared with sleeping during this time, but this was considered to be significantly applicable only to those working in 21 day cycles. Additionally, in serial measurements, the recovery of urinary cortisol secretion after a night or 24 h shift was successful for individuals working in 9 day cycles, but the recovery was delayed for those working in 6 or 21 day cycles. (4) Conclusions: After analyzing the urine cortisol levels, the study indicates that only subjects working in 9 day cycles fully recovered their circadian rhythm while those working in 6 day or 21 day cycles did not completely recover. Therefore, it is important to recognize how stressful night shifts can be, and it is crucial to enhance firefighters’ current shift cycles in order to allow sufficient recovery of their circadian rhythm as well as the prevention of disrupting their circadian rhythm after working at night. Further research is necessary to take into account the amount of work load, the challenges of being sleep deprived, and the individual’s capacity to overcome sleepiness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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13 pages, 1389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Intensity Training Reduces CVD Risk Factors among Rotating Shift Workers: An Eight-Week Intervention in Industry

by Asgeir Mamen, Reidun Øvstebø, Per Anton Sirnes, Pia Nielsen and Marit Skogstad

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 3943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113943 - 2 Jun 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4786

Abstract

Rotating shift work is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We have studied the effect of 17 min high-intensity training three times a week over eight weeks on CVD risk factors among shift workers. Sixty-five shift workers from two plants were [...] Read more.

Rotating shift work is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We have studied the effect of 17 min high-intensity training three times a week over eight weeks on CVD risk factors among shift workers. Sixty-five shift workers from two plants were recruited. They were all deemed healthy at the initial health screening and in 100% work. From plant A, 42 workers, and plant B, 23 workers participated. After the intervention, 56 workers were retested. The intervention group consisted of 19 participants from plant A who had participated in at least 10 sessions. Twenty workers from plant B and 17 workers from plant A that not had taken part in the training were included in the control group. All workers reported physical activity (PA) by questionnaires before and after the training intervention. We measured blood pressure, heart rate, lipids, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and arterial stiffness. Maximal oxygen uptake (

\dot{V}

O_2max) was assessed by bicycle ergometry. The intervention group favorably differed significantly from the control group in improvement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Short training sessions with 4 min of high-intensity PA, three times a week, for eight weeks among rotating shift workers reduced some CVD risk factors. PA interventions in occupational settings may thus decrease coronary heart disease and stroke incidences in this vulnerable group of workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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Review

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13 pages, 696 KiB

Open AccessReview

Work-Fitness Evaluation for Shift Work Disorder

by Tae-Won Jang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031294 - 1 Feb 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4684

Abstract

Shift work disorder (SWD), which is characterized by insomnia and excessive sleepiness related with shift work, is one of the most common health problems in shift workers. Shift work disorder causes insomnia, fatigue, worse work performance, an increased likelihood of accidents, and a [...] Read more.

Shift work disorder (SWD), which is characterized by insomnia and excessive sleepiness related with shift work, is one of the most common health problems in shift workers. Shift work disorder causes insomnia, fatigue, worse work performance, an increased likelihood of accidents, and a poor quality of life. In addition, SWD is associated with decreased productivity and increased economic costs. The correct management of SWD is important to prevent sleep disturbances and maintain work performance in shift workers. To diagnose and evaluate SWD, it is necessary to take detailed medical histories, assess the severity of sleep disturbances, and evaluate shift workers’ sleep using a sleep diary and actigraphy. The work-fitness evaluation should include recommendations on how shift workers can reduce their sleep disturbances and increase work performance, as well as the assessment of work performance. This paper reviews previous research on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of SWD and summarizes the work-fitness evaluation of SWD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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Other

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19 pages, 2092 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Impact of Different Types of Shift Work on Blood Pressure and Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Sara Gamboa Madeira, Carina Fernandes, Teresa Paiva, Carlos Santos Moreira and Daniel Caldeira

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6738; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136738 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4608

Abstract

Shift work (SW) encompasses 20% of the European workforce. Moreover, high blood pressure (BP) remains a leading cause of death globally. This review aimed to synthesize the magnitude of the potential impact of SW on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [...] Read more.

Shift work (SW) encompasses 20% of the European workforce. Moreover, high blood pressure (BP) remains a leading cause of death globally. This review aimed to synthesize the magnitude of the potential impact of SW on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and hypertension (HTN). MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched for epidemiological studies evaluating BP and/or HTN diagnosis among shift workers, compared with day workers. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed and the results were expressed as pooled mean differences or odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Forty-five studies were included, involving 117,252 workers. We found a significant increase in both SBD and DBP among permanent night workers (2.52 mmHg, 95% CI 0.75–4.29 and 1.76 mmHg, 95% CI 0.41–3.12, respectively). For rotational shift workers, both with and without night work, we found a significant increase but only for SBP (0.65 mmHg, 95% CI 0.07–1.22 and 1.28 mmHg, 95% CI 0.18–2.39, respectively). No differences were found for HTN. Our findings suggest that SW is associated with an increase of BP, mainly for permanent night workers and for SBP. This is of special interest given the large number of susceptible workers exposed over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects and Management of Shift Work)

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