Affiliations: Occupational Health Department, School of Health and
Nutrition, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran | Occupational Health Department, School of Public
Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran | Social Determinants in Health Promotion Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Science, Bandar
Abbas, Iran | Occupational Health Department, School of Public
Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran | Occupational Health Department, School of Health,
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran | Occupational Health Department, School of Health,
Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran
Note: [] Corresponding author: Heidar Mohammadi, School of Public Health,
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Chamran Highway, Tehran,
Iran. Tel: +98 21 22432040; Fax: +98 21 22432036; E-mail: Heidar.m1388@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Shift-work, which is an ergonomics issue in
workplaces, can negatively affect workers. The security personnel of medical
centers in Iran have multiple responsibilities and consequently are exposed to
such unwanted situations as observing patients, disputing with patient's
attendants, unwanted shift schedules, and being away from family for long periods. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed health problems of Iranian
hospital security personnel (shift-worker personnel) using the Survey of
Shift-workers (SOS) questionnaire (Persian version). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in seven medical centers (4 hospitals and 3
clinics). A total of 416 workers were surveyed: shift-workers (exposed group)
(n=209) and non-shift-workers (unexposed group) (n=207). RESULTS: The prevalence of adverse health effects was higher in
shift-workers than day-workers. The level of education and mean Body Mass Index
(BMI) in shift-workers were significantly higher compared with day-workers. The
prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular and psychological
problems were also significantly higher in shift-workers compared with day-workers. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the prevalence of health problems
among the security personnel of medical centers was high. Hence, it is
recommended that personnel be put under periodic monitoring and receive medical
counseling and treatment if there is any disorder.
Keywords: Shift-worker, day-worker, SOS questionnaire, gastrointestinal disorders, medical centers
