Metabolic Syndrome and Rotational Shift Work Among Female Nurses: Assessing Occupational Health Risks

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors that elevate the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Nurses engaged in rotational shift work may face an increased risk due to circadian disruption and workplace stressors. This study assessed the prevalence of MetS and its associated risk factors among female nurses working rotational shifts at a tertiary public hospital in Western India.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 71 randomly selected female nurses aged 21–59 years, each with at least two years of shift work experience. MetS was diagnosed using modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Data included anthropometric measurements, biochemical profiles, blood pressure, and perceived stress scores using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).

Results: The prevalence of MetS was 32.4%. Significant associations were found with age (p = 0.04), total work experience (p = 0.01), frequency of night shifts (p = 0.02), and years of rotational shift duty (p < 0.001). The most prevalent MetS components were low HDL (95.8%) and elevated random blood sugar (64.8%). Logistic regression identified years of rotational shift duty as a significant predictor of MetS (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.02–1.86; p = 0.047). Perceived stress levels were not significantly associated with MetS.

Conclusion: A high prevalence of MetS was observed among female shift-working nurses. Interventions such as optimized shift scheduling and early metabolic screening are recommended. Further research with a control group is needed to establish causal relationships.