Association of shift work with hypercholesterolemia among nurses: A cross‐sectional and descriptive-analytical study

ABSTRACT

Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Shift work is now considered as one of the possible factors that could have an effect on lipid profile. The aim of this study was to determine the association of shift work with hypercholesterolemia among nurses. This cross‐sectional and descriptive-analytical study was conducted on nurses who worked in three hospitals. The sample size was 120 participants and divided into 60 shift workers and 60 day workers (nonshift workers). Demographic data, medical and occupational history were collected through a checklist. Data were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U, chi-square, and logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 22. There was statistically significant difference between prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and shift work. Also, a small percentage (8.33%) had low levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) in shift workers and 5% in day workers. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between HDL and shift work. The findings of this study showed that shift work is a risk factor for Hypercholesterolemia and increased duration of shift work was associated with higher risk of hypercholesterolemia in shift working nurses. Due to the indispensable of shift work in the nursing profession, it is essential to teach courses to promote healthy work environments and conduct periodical checkup to help nurses decrease their occupational problems.

KEYWORDS:

• Total cholesterol
• HDL
• hypercholesterolemia
• nurse
• shift work

Acknowledgments

This study was part of an MSc thesis at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical sciences. We thank the nursing administrator for supporting this study and all nurses whose participation made this study possible. Furthermore, this study was supported by a grant from the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical sciences.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.