Relationship of work schedules to gastrointestinal diagnoses, symptoms, and medication use in auto factory workers.
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.
Caruso
Claire C
CC
Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA. ccaruso@cdc.gov
Lusk
Sally L
SL
Gillespie
Brenda W
BW
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