Claire C Caruso1, Sally L Lusk, Brenda W Gillespie. 1. Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA. ccaruso@cdc.gov
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) complaints are common in shift workers. This study examines the relationship between work schedules and GI symptoms, medications, and diagnoses. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey of 343 US auto factory workers, four work schedule variables were examined: assigned shift, number of hours worked, number of night hours, and schedule variability. Multiple regression tested the relationship between GI outcomes and work schedule variables while controlling for covariates. RESULTS: The evening shift was associated with more GI symptoms and GI diagnoses. Unexpectedly, more consistent work times were associated with having a GI diagnosis. As schedule variability increased the probability of GI medication use increased in low noise exposure. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that evening shift and widely varying work start and end times may increase risks for GI disturbances.
BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) complaints are common in shift workers. This study examines the relationship between work schedules and GI symptoms, medications, and diagnoses. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey of 343 US auto factory workers, four work schedule variables were examined: assigned shift, number of hours worked, number of night hours, and schedule variability. Multiple regression tested the relationship between GI outcomes and work schedule variables while controlling for covariates. RESULTS: The evening shift was associated with more GI symptoms and GI diagnoses. Unexpectedly, more consistent work times were associated with having a GI diagnosis. As schedule variability increased the probability of GI medication use increased in low noise exposure. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that evening shift and widely varying work start and end times may increase risks for GI disturbances.
Authors: Willemijntje A Hoogerwerf; Vahakn B Shahinian; Germaine Cornélissen; Franz Halberg; Jonathon Bostwick; John Timm; Paul A Bartell; Vincent M Cassone Journal: Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol Date: 2009-11-19 Impact factor: 4.052
Authors: Willemijntje A Hoogerwerf; Mala Sinha; Ana Conesa; Bruce A Luxon; Vahakn B Shahinian; Germaine Cornélissen; Franz Halberg; Jonathon Bostwick; John Timm; Vincent M Cassone Journal: Gastroenterology Date: 2008-09-03 Impact factor: 22.682