OBJECTIVES: Associations between shift work and chronic disease have been observed, but relatively little is known about how to mitigate these adverse health effects. This critical review aimed to (i) synthesize interventions that have been implemented among shift workers to reduce the chronic health effects of shift work and (ii) provide an overall evaluation of study quality. METHODS: MeSH terms and keywords were created and used to conduct a rigorous search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE for studies published on or before 13 August 2012. Study quality was assessed using a checklist adapted from Downs & Black. RESULTS: Of the 5053 articles retrieved, 44 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Over 2354 male and female rotating and permanent night shift workers were included, mostly from the manufacturing, healthcare, and public safety industries. Studies were grouped into four intervention types: (i) shift schedule; (ii) controlled light exposure; (iii) behavioral; and, (iv) pharmacological. Results generally support the benefits of fast-forward rotating shifts; simultaneous use of timed bright light and light-blocking glasses; and physical activity, healthy diet, and health promotion. Mixed results were observed for hypnotics. Study quality varied and numerous deficiencies were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Except for hypnotics, several types of interventions reviewed had positive overall effects on chronic disease outcomes. There was substantial heterogeneity among studies with respect to study sample, interventions, and outcomes. There is a need for further high-quality, workplace-based prevention research conducted among shift workers.
OBJECTIVES: Associations between shift work and chronic disease have been observed, but relatively little is known about how to mitigate these adverse health effects. This critical review aimed to (i) synthesize interventions that have been implemented among shift workers to reduce the chronic health effects of shift work and (ii) provide an overall evaluation of study quality. METHODS: MeSH terms and keywords were created and used to conduct a rigorous search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE for studies published on or before 13 August 2012. Study quality was assessed using a checklist adapted from Downs & Black. RESULTS: Of the 5053 articles retrieved, 44 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Over 2354 male and female rotating and permanent night shift workers were included, mostly from the manufacturing, healthcare, and public safety industries. Studies were grouped into four intervention types: (i) shift schedule; (ii) controlled light exposure; (iii) behavioral; and, (iv) pharmacological. Results generally support the benefits of fast-forward rotating shifts; simultaneous use of timed bright light and light-blocking glasses; and physical activity, healthy diet, and health promotion. Mixed results were observed for hypnotics. Study quality varied and numerous deficiencies were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Except for hypnotics, several types of interventions reviewed had positive overall effects on chronic disease outcomes. There was substantial heterogeneity among studies with respect to study sample, interventions, and outcomes. There is a need for further high-quality, workplace-based prevention research conducted among shift workers.
Authors: Kirsten Nabe-Nielsen; Marie Birk Jørgensen; Anne Helene Garde; Thomas Clausen Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2015-05-23 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Elizabeth A Dodson; J Aaron Hipp; Jung Ae Lee; Lin Yang; Christine M Marx; Rachel G Tabak; Ross C Brownson Journal: Am J Health Promot Date: 2016-11-03
Authors: Tracy E Slanger; J Valérie Gross; Andreas Pinger; Peter Morfeld; Miriam Bellinger; Anna-Lena Duhme; Rosalinde Amancay Reichardt Ortega; Giovanni Costa; Tim R Driscoll; Russell G Foster; Lin Fritschi; Mikael Sallinen; Juha Liira; Thomas C Erren Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2016-08-23
Authors: Heidi M Lammers-van der Holst; James K Wyatt; Todd S Horowitz; John C Wise; Wei Wang; Joseph M Ronda; Jeanne F Duffy; Charles A Czeisler Journal: Scand J Work Environ Health Date: 2021-03-28 Impact factor: 5.024