Evaluation of the metabolic syndrome and sleep quality i̇n shift workers

Many health problems can be observed related to shift work in terms of occupational health and safety. Metabolic syndrome is an important occupational health problem associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, which may also be due to shift work. This study ,which was planned and carried out in order to examine metabolic syndrome and sleep quality in shift workers, was performed in two institutions on firefighters and mine workers aged between 18-65. The study was conducted with 120 volunteers,the number of those working in shift is (n=84), those working in the daytime (n=36). The data of the study was obtained by a questionnaire including sociodemographic information, sleep quality and physical activity assessment. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure measurements were also taken. According to İnternational Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria; 51,2% of the individuals who work in shifts and 25% of the day working individuals are diagnosed as Metabolic Syndrome (Mets) (p<0,05). According to National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Tretment Panel 3 (NCEP-ATP III) criteria; 36,9% of the individuals who work in shifts and 16,7% of those who work in daytime are diagnosed as Mets (p<0,05). According to the NCEP-ATP III criteria, the most common Mets components are low HDL (35,8%) and high triglyceride (32,5%). According to IDF criteria, the most common Mets components for shift workers are abdominal obesity (35,8 %) and low HDL (35,8%) and high triglyceride (32,5%).In the evaluation of sleep quality of individuals, it was concluded that sleep quality did not show a significant difference according to working status (p>0,05). It was found that there was a negative, not a very strong but statistically meaningful correlation (r= -0,202) between the duration of shift and sleep quality. This study supported the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in shift workers. In terms of occupational health, preventive measures should be taken to eliminate this health problem and the related risk factors. İt is suggested to conduct further studies, which are detailed both qualitatively and quantitatively and aim to determine the relation between the shift work, metabolic syndrome and sleep quality and also examine all the possible factors. Key Words: shift work, metabolic syndrome, sleep quality, occupational health