Modification Effect of Job Demand and Contingent Work Schedule on Overweight and Obesity Among Civil Servants in Taiwan

Abstract

Objective

Evidence indicated that shift work is a contributing factor to risk of obesity and leads to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but few researches have examined the moderating effects of job demand and contingent work schedule on overweight and obesity. Thus, we assessed the modification effect of contingent work schedules and job demand on overweight and obesity among Taiwan’s civil servants.

Methods

Multistage stratified random cluster sampling was used based on a proportional probabilistic sampling (PPS) in a national survey for civil servants. A total of 20,046 participants from 647 registered governmental institutions were enrolled and anonymously and voluntarily filled out web-based questionnaires.

Results

Compared to fixed work schedule, odd ratios (ORs) of obesity and overweight were 1.63 and 1.78 times in contingent work schedule, respectively. In addition, the modification effects of contingent work schedule and high job demand on overweight and obesity with Rothman’s synergy index were 2.43 and 2.56, respectively. Using a hierarchical regression model adjusted for covariates, both high job demand and contingent work schedule were interactively associated with overweight and obesity compared to low job demand and fixed work schedule.

Conclusion

Since precarious schedules affect employee’s obesity through work-related stress and unhealthy behaviors, further research is needed to determine whether interventions aimed at modification of work schedule may be useful in combating obesity.

Keywords:

• workload
• overweight/obesity
• contingent work schedule
• civil servants

Abbreviations

BMI, Body mass index; OR, Odds ratio; SF-36: HPA, Health Promotion Administration.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethics and Consent

The study had ethical approval from the China Medical University (CMUH105-REC3-091). Participants were also informed that the data would be handled confidentially. Information about the study was given to all participants and participation was based on written and oral informed consent.

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge assistance provided by the staff of Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration which provided administrative and budget support. The authors would also like to thank all participants to fill out questionnaire.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, have agreed on the journal to which the article will be submitted, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by funding from Tobacco Health and Welfare Surcharge, Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Taiwan, ROC (Civil servants health survey program 2016/B1050406).Disclaimer: The content of this research may not represent the opinion of the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare.