ABSTRACT
Background: Shift work is associated with development of risk factors leading to metabolic syndrome (conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart disease, stroke and diabetes). Therefore, early screening and management of risk factors may improve health status and prevent metabolic syndrome development.
Objectives: the study aimed to determine the effect of shift work and weight gain and cardiovascular diseases among healthcare workers in workers in University of Benin teaching hospital, Nigeria.
Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional design and was carried out among health care workers in University of Benin (UBTH), Benin city using a systemic random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data on knowledge and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and psychological health status of respondents. The questionnaire covered areas such as socio-demographic information knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors, physical activity levels, smoking habits, circadian type inventory and anxiety/ depression assessment. The questionnaire was interviewer administered and adequately pretested. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were also done. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS version 25.0 and the level of significant was set at p < 0.05. Data presentation was done using graphs, frequency tables and prose. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee, University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
Result: Mean Age (SD) of the shift workers and non-shift workers respondents was 35.96 ± 7.57 years and 35.96 ± 6.82 respectively. A slightly greater proportion of both shift workers was 160(52.8%) and non-shift workers 136(52.6%) was females. More than two-thirds 205(67.7%) of the shift workers had worked less than 6 years while more than half of the non-shift workers had worked 6 – 10 years. More than 166(54.5%) of the shift workers had shifts less than six times in a month. More than half 142(46.9%) of the shift workers had their BMI values greater than 25 while more than half 153(59.5) of the non-shift workers had BMI values less than 25. The relationship was statistically significant (p-value = 0.003). A high proportion of shift workers 233(76.9%) and non-shift workers 176(68.5%) did not have high BP as a risk factor for CVD. The relationship was statistically significant (p-value = 0.025). Above half 314(56.1%) of the total respondents had 1 – 2 risk factors for developing CVDs. Above half of the shift workers 166(54.8%) and non-shift worker 148(57.8%) had 1 -2 risk factors for developing CVD with more than half 39(12.9%) of the ‘no risk category’ comprised shift workers. This relationship was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.863). Almost half 275(49.6%) of the total respondents had normal weight. More than half of the shift workers 161(54.8%) were overweight and more than half of non-shift workers 148(58.0%) had were normal weight. Majority of the shift workers 212(70.0%) ranked normal on the depression scale while a substantial number on non-shift workers ranked abnormal on the scale 148(57.6%). Shift workers were more like to be depressed than non-shift workers and this relationship was statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). Majority of the shift workers 213(70.3%) and non-shift workers 166(64.6%) ranked normal on the anxiety scale. Shift workers were more like to be ranked normal on the anxiety scale; however, this relationship was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.252).
