Health consequences of shift-work: The case of Iranian Hospital Security Personnel

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Shift-work, which is an ergonomics issue in workplaces, can negatively affect workers. The security personnel of medical centers in Iran have multiple responsibilities and consequently are exposed to such unwanted situations as observing patients, disputing with patient's attendants, unwanted shift schedules, and being away from family for long periods. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed health problems of Iranian hospital security personnel (shift-worker personnel) using the Survey of Shift-workers (SOS) questionnaire (Persian version). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in seven medical centers (4 hospitals and 3 clinics). A total of 416 workers were surveyed: shift-workers (exposed group) (n = 209) and non-shift-workers (unexposed group) (n = 207). RESULTS: The prevalence of adverse health effects was higher in shift-workers than day-workers. The level of education and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) in shift-workers were significantly higher compared with day-workers. The prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular and psychological problems were also significantly higher in shift-workers compared with day-workers. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the prevalence of health problems among the security personnel of medical centers was high. Hence, it is recommended that personnel be put under periodic monitoring and receive medical counseling and treatment if there is any disorder.

Differences between fixed day shift workers and rotating shift workers in gastrointestinal problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…(2006) 30) was 3.92, which was higher than those obtained by Abedini et al (2015) 20) , Segawa et al (1987) 32) , and Sugisawa and Uehata (1998) 33) . The relative weight derived by Sugisaw and Uehata (1998) 33) was 34.27%, which was greater than those obtained by Abedini et al (2015) 20) , Pietroiusti et al (2006) 30) , and Segawa et al (1987) 32) . Furthermore, our sensitivity analysis revealed that the removal of any study did not significantly change the pooling OR (95% CI: 1.19-2.30) (Figure 3).…”

“…(2014) 26) were 22.92% and 20.30%, respectively, which were greater than those obtained by Abedini et al (2015) 20) , Ahmed and Oraby (2017) 21) , Kim et al (2013) 13) , and Mendes and De Martino (2012) 28) . Furthermore, our sensitivity analysis revealed that the removal of any study did not significantly change the pooling OR (95% CI: 1.28-2.30) (Figure 3).…”

“…The OR presented by the forest plot was 1.71 (95% CI: 1.28-2.30, p< .001) (Figure 2). The ORs derived by Abedini et al (2015) 20) and Ahmed and Oraby (2017) 21) were 3.36 and 2.34, respectively, which were higher than those obtained by Buja et al (2013) 22) , Kim et al (2013) 13) , Koh et al (2014) 26) , and Mendes and De Martino (2012) 28) . The relative weights derived by Buja et al (2013) 22) and Koh et al…”

Chronic disease risk factors among hotel workers

“…A study among security personnel linked higher BMI with shift work and the effect was thought to be mediated by stress. [ 18 ] The present study did not measure work-related stress but that could be a possible mechanism as well. Occupation-associated physical activity does not seem to explain this because food preparation as well as security involve moderate levels of activity.…”

Development and validation of a new scale for prediction of low back pain occurrence among nurses

“…The common weakness of these scales is that they only consider the occupational aspect without addressing other effective aspects such as psychosocial ones (David, 2005[ 11 ]). Moreover, it is believed that psychosocial risk factors influence LBP occurrence through interaction with the work environment and individual characteristics (Abedini et al, 2015[ 1 ]; Dehghany et al, 2012[ 13 ]). Therefore, it is highly recommended that the researchers pay more attention to biopsychosocial factors (Mitchell et al, 2009[ 26 ]; George et al, 2012[ 17 ]; Dunn et al, 2013[ 15 ]; Dagenais et al, 2010[ 10 ]) in designing the screening scales (Pincus et al, 2002[ 29 ]).…”