Bowel Health in U.S. Shift Workers: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study (NHANES)

Abstract

Working outside of regular daytime hours is increasingly common in current societies and poses a substantial challenge to an individual’s biological rhythm. Disruptions of the gastrointestinal tract’s circadian rhythm and poor dietary choices subsequent to shiftwork may predispose the shift workforce to an increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation, peptic ulcer disease, and erosive gastritis. We investigated bowel health in a US population of shift workers, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and compared bowel movement (BM) frequency and defecation patterns between 2007 day workers and 458 shift workers (representing 55,305,037 US workers). Using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques, our results suggested no association between shiftwork status and BM frequency, bowel leakage of gas, and stool consistency. Constipation prevalence was high but comparable in both groups (6.90% vs. 7.09%). The low fiber intake observed in both groups (15.07 vs. 16.75 g/day) could play a potential role here. The two groups did not differ with regard to other nutrients that may influence BM frequency and stool consistency (e.g., carbohydrate or caffeine intake). Additional studies including food group analyses and fecal biomarkers are warranted for a better understanding of GI health in shift workers.

Shift work is not associated with dietary acid load in the NHANES

“…In a previous study, we discussed the association between shift work and food insecurity in terms of limited access to adequate food for active, healthy living. Our analysis revealed that a significantly higher proportion of shift workers reported receipt of food stamps and concerns about running out of food, as compared to day workers (Storz et al , 2022a). A poor diet has been suggested as one of the major culprits for the detrimental health effects induced by shift work, and several experts highlighted that unhealthy eating “could legitimately be considered a new form of occupational hazard” (TPIM Editors, 2011).…”

“…A similar approach has been used by Wirth et al (2014) in a related analysis. The rationale behind this approach is explained in one of our previous publications (Storz et al , 2022b). The current analysis is part of a larger series of investigations targeting a better understanding of nutrition-related disorders in shift workers (Storz et al , 2022a).…”

“…Poor dietary choices in combination with disrupted circadian rhythms can promote or exacerbate a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders (Duboc et al , 2020). We recently investigated bowel health in a US population of shift workers (Storz et al , 2022b). We observed no difference in bowel health between shift workers and day workers, despite the existence of significant intergroup differences in terms of nutrient intake (e.g.…”