title: Relationship of work schedules to gastrointestinal diagnoses, symptoms, and medication use in auto factory workers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gastrointestinal (GI) complaints are common in shift workers. This study examines the relationship between work schedules and GI symptoms, medications, and diagnoses.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a cross-sectional survey of 343 US auto factory workers, four work schedule variables were examined: assigned shift, number of hours worked, number of night hours, and schedule variability. Multiple regression tested the relationship between GI outcomes and work schedule variables while controlling for covariates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The evening shift was associated with more GI symptoms and GI diagnoses. Unexpectedly, more consistent work times were associated with having a GI diagnosis. As schedule variability increased the probability of GI medication use increased in low noise exposure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest that evening shift and widely varying work start and end times may increase risks for GI disturbances.
authors.affiliation: Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA. ccaruso@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Claire C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Caruso
authors.forename: Sally L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Lusk
authors.forename: Brenda W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Gillespie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001336:Automobiles; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D011336:Probability; D011379:Prognosis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance; D017132:Workplace