The effect of working in auto factory on functional constipation and bowel habit

The aim of present study is to evaluate the factor associated with functional constipation (FC) and determine a normal range of bowel movement (BM) in an Iranian Auto factory’s worker.  

The digestive system may be affected by workplace condition.  Some occupational conditions can effect on bowel habit and FC.

In this cross -sectional study, 3590 workers who worked in Tehran suburb in 2017 were evaluated. The workers were working at morning or rotatory shifts and in the official and non- official sections. In addition to demographic and stool frequency questions, workers were asked to complete the Rome IV Questionnaire.

The normal range of BM frequency was determined between one and three per day. The BM frequency had a significant association with age (P=0.002), marital status (P=0.024), education (P=0.011), expose to chemical materials (P<0.001) and work section (P<0.001). The total prevalence of FC was 9.7% and among rotatory shift working, was more than the only morning shift working, (10% vs 6%; P=0.02). Independent factors associated with FC were found as age (for 30- 40 years old: OR=1.88; 95% CI (1.20, 3.03) and for ?41 years old: OR=1.91; 95% CI (1.12,3.17)), smoking (OR=1.52; 95% CI (1.20,1.93)) and work section (for Paint section: OR=0.33; 95% CI (0.12,0.87), for Montage section: OR=0.44; 95% CI (0.18,1.10), for Press & Platform section: OR=0.12; 95% CI (0.05,0.37)).

Occupational condition probably makes difference in bowel habit. Rotatory shift, official working and smoking may increase the risk of constipation.