Maryam Nikpour - Student Research Committee, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol
Aram Tirgar - Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences,Babol
Mahmod Hajiahmadi - Department of Biostatistics, Non Communicable Pediatric Disease Research Center,Health Research Institute, Babol
Akram Hosseini - Clinical Research Development Center, Shahid Beheshti Hospital,Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol

Introduction: Shift work during reproductive age can be a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. This study evaluated the relationship of shift work with metabolic syndrome during reproductive age. Methods: This multi-center cross-sectional correlational study was conducted from September 2017 to May 2018. Participants were 419 female shift and day workers who were purposively recruited to the study from three central cities of Mazandaran province, Iran (i.e. Amol, Babol, and Ghaemshahr). To diagnose metabolic syndrome based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, we measured participants’ anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and levels of serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and fasting blood sugar. Data were analyzed through the independent-sample t, the Chi-square, and the Fisher’s exact tests as well as the logistic regression analysis.Results: Among 419 participants, 28 were excluded during the study. The total prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 16.3% and its prevalence among shift workers (n = 196) and day workers (n = 195) was respectively 17.3% and 14.9%. The most prevalent components of metabolic syndrome were low serum level of high-density lipoprotein and abdominal obesity. After adjusting the effects of potential cofounders (such as age, work experience, number of parities, sleep quantity and quality, and occupational stress), the logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of metabolic syndrome among shift workers was around two times greater than day workers (odds ratio: 1.83; 95% CI: 0.088–3.79), though this relationship was statistically insignificant (P = 0.10).Conclusion: Shift work is associated with greater risk of metabolic syndrome for women. The most important components of metabolic syndrome are low serum level of high-density lipoprotein and abdominal obesity which are attributable to limited physical activity and high occupational stress. The risk of metabolic syndrome among female shift workers of reproductive age can be reduced through strategies such as awareness raising, dietary educations, and provision of physical activity facilities at workplace.

Metabolic syndrome, Shift work, Female shift workers, Reproductive age