Zahra Zamanian
Shiraz University of Medical Science, Iran
Title: Investigation of shift work disorders among security personnel of the hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Biography
Biography: Zahra Zamanian
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In today’s advanced world resulting from the improvement of technology, societies tend to encounter a large number of problems and accidents. In case an event takes place, hospitals and the treatment staff have to take care of the patients. Moreover, university’s security personnel are responsible for the security of the hospital, patients’ lives, and the modern, expensive facilities of the hospital. Such personnel are classified as shift workers and are exposed to health disturbing factors more than other shift workers. Materials and Methods: The present study was a case-control one whose sampling was carried out through census. The study was conducted among 130 security personnel as well as 130 unexposed employees among the security guards working day shifts and the office workers. The unexposed individuals were not working in shifts, but were similar to the shift workers regarding age and health status. Data were collected using SOS (Survey of Shift Workers) questionnaire as well as measuring height, weight, and blood pressure of the shift workers in their work shifts. Results: The findings revealed a significant difference between the two groups regarding the increase in blood pressure, sleep disorders, dissatisfaction in individual , family , and social lives, as well as increase in psychological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, these disorders were significantly higher among the shift workers. Conclusion: The study results suggest the necessity to pay more attention to the shift workers’ needs and problems, involving them in planning the shift schedules, and improving their working conditions.