The Relationship between Shift Work and Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases among Nurses Working in Hospitals of Abadan

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) have been considered to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Various factors such as occupational and environmental risk factors affect CVDs. Nowadays, shift work is considered to be an occupational stressor. Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding to the relationship between shift work and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between shift work and the risk of cardiovascular diseases based on the Framingham Risk Score among nurses working in hospitals associated with Abadan Faculty of Medical Science during 2019.

This study is a descriptive-analytic study which has been conducted on 120 nurses divided to 60 shift workers and 60 day workers working in hospitals associated with Abadan Faculty of Medical Science. The participants were selected through stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using two-section tools including demographic data (smoking and medical and occupational history) and the Framingham Risk Score which were collected through check lists and interviews. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a digital measuring device. The participants' blood pressure was measured by standard method and two month follow-up. Measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the shift. Blood Total Chol and HDL were measured in a 5cc intravenous blood sample after 10-12 hours fasting time and were measured by standard laboratory technique. In all the tests, a confidence level of 95% and a significance level less than 0.05 was considered. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 22.

According to the results of this study it can be concluded that the mean age shift workers and day workers were 32.20±2.97 and 37.43±2.90 respectively. Also, job experience in shift workers and day workers were 8.40±4.42 and 14.10±3.12 years respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between prevalence of CVD risk and shift work based on Framingham Risk Score (p=0.04).

The results of this study revealed that shift work is a risk factor for CVD disturbances. These findings may be of use for nurses and other relevant authorities for screening and even preventing CVD