Metabolic Syndrome Predictors among Shift Workers of Zagazig Central Railway Station: A Case-Control Study

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) describes a number of metabolic disorders involving blood glucose abnormalities, elevated blood pressure, triglycerides levels, decreased high-density lipoprotein and increased abdominal obesity which are associated with risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular abnormalities with more mortality. MetS globally has been attributed to alterations in lifestyle, like eating patterns and sedentary life. Objectives: 1- To compare metabolic syndrome prevalence between shift and day workers. 2- To clarify associated risk factors for metabolic syndrome. 3- To study impacts of metabolic syndrome affection on workplace accidents, absenteeism, and workers engagement. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between shift and day workers at Zagazig Railway Station with a sample size of 244 (122 shift workers (exposed group) and 122 day workers. Data were collected by using 1- structured interview questionnaire including relevant socio-demographic, occupational characteristics, certain past and family histories data of concern, questions to assess risk factors of metabolic syndrome and questions to assess some consequences of metabolic syndrome. 2- Anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations to assess parameters of MetS. Results: Studied shift workers had significant prevalence of metabolic syndrome (51.6% vs. 36.1% in day workers), fasting blood glucose, larger waist circumference and triglyceride levels compared to day workers. The prevalence of poor sleep quality complaint was significantly higher among shift workers compared to the day workers. Shift workers showed significant incidence of workplace accidents in addition to decreased work engagement compared to day workers.
Conclusion: Shift work constitutes an occupational risk for MetS development, which has its special health and work consequences.