Workability, quality of life and cardiovascular risk markers in aging nightshift workers: a pilot study

Abstract

Summary Background In aging healthcare professionals, multiple stressors such as night work may affect life and work satisfaction and risk for chronic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease [CVD]). In this pilot study we compared workability, quality of life (QoL), and CVD risk markers between night shift and day workers. Methods We included 70 hospital employees (mean age 52 ± 4 years, 91.4% female): 32 rotating night shift workers (> 3 nights/month) and 38 permanent day workers. In addition to sociodemographic, lifestyle, and sleep characteristics, we assessed i) workability index (WAI), ii) QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQOL-Bref]) and iii) CVD risk markers, i.e. carotid ultrasound measurements, and biomarkers (NTproBNP, CRP, IL‑6, LDL, ferritin, copper, zinc, and selenium). WAI, QoL, and CVD risk markers were compared between night and day workers. In a subgroup of participants (N = 38) with complete data, we used quantile regression analysis to estimate age and multivariate adjusted differences in biomarker levels. Results We found no differences in the domains of QoL (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment) and WAI scores between night and day workers. Night shift workers were less likely to report excellent workability than day workers, although differences were not statistically significant. Night shift workers reported more sleep problems (73.1% vs. 55.6%) and tended to have lower zinc levels and higher inflammatory markers (CRP, IL‑6, ferritin), but differences were not significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions Workability, QoL and CVD markers did not significantly differ between rotating night shift and day workers in this small pilot study. Sleep problems and inflammatory marker levels carry implications for occupational health.

The Quality of Life and the Bio-Molecular Profile in Working Environment: A Systematic Review

“…At the same time, routine interventions aiming to mitigate the onset of such negative out-comes might have a reduced efficacy not focusing on critical mental health predictors and, above all, being usually offered after the exposure to traumatic events [53]. Not surprisingly, fourteen of the twenty-three papers included in our review investigate the conditions of active-duty military personnel and veterans [27][28][29][30], community health agents [31], sworn officers and patrol police officers [36,38], health care professionals [35,[39][40][41]43,49] and caregivers [48]. A further critical issue involving these professionals is the presence of shift work, which has a significant impact on workers' health, QOL, and well-being [49].…”

“…A further critical issue involving these professionals is the presence of shift work, which has a significant impact on workers' health, QOL, and well-being [49]. Indeed, working asocial hours can result in a misalignment in the circadian system and in the sleep-wake cycle, with a consequent increase in the risk for chronic health conditions [40].…”

“…Since self-rated health has been proposed as an early predictor of mortality [55], it would be interesting to investigate the relationship between QOL and the bio-molecular profile, especially in populations including young and healthy subjects not experiencing the most common morbidity risk factors [28]. This approach might be critical in evaluating the role of ageing in modulating these alterations [40]. Furthermore, some professionals are trained to deal with high-stress situations, introducing an additional element in shaping the eventual relationship between these two domains, and highlighting the importance of both biological and psychological assessment [38].…”

“…Jordakeva et al, in an attempt to evaluate the role of shift-work in health care professionals, did not find any difference in both QOL scores (WHOQOL-Bref) and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6 and CRP) comparing day workers vs rotating night shift workers [40].…”

Assess the Quality Of Life of Nurses Working In Shift Duties In Public Sector Hospital

“…According to other studies, poor quality of sleep was found in night shift nurses compared to day shift nurses. However, rotational shift working among health care providers is necessary to continue care of hospital and residential patients (Jordakieva et al,2022).…”