(355) Exploring Influence of Shift Work on Perceived Stress and Shift Work Disorder: A Gender-Specific Investigation

Objective : Working odd shifts has been associated with disturbances in sleep, mood, and perceived stress, along with an elevated risk of future neuropsychiatric issues. Nevertheless, the gender-specific impact of shift work on perceived stress and the likelihood of developing shift work disorder remains relatively understudied. This study seeks to bridge this gap by examining the connection between shift work and perceived stress levels, particularly in terms of gender-specific response.

Methods: Perceived stress among shift workers was assessed through a cross-sectional study involving 73 participants. Participants completed self-report measures, including the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), Shift Work Disorder Index (SWDI), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and regression models with the StatView & R studio analytical software.

Results: Female workers, especially those on odd shifts, reported significantly higher perceived stress levels compared to males (p < 0.05). Odd shift female workers also exhibited the highest stress levels compared to regular shift workers and male counterparts (p < 0.05). Moreover, females had higher SWDI scores than males (p < 0.05), with odd shift workers scoring higher than regular shift workers (p < 0.05). Longer shift hours correlated positively with increased stress levels (β = 0.26, p < 0.05) and SWDI scores (β = 0.43, p < 0.05). These results emphasize the need to address gender disparities and shift schedules when managing stress in non-traditional work environments.

Conclusions: Our study underscores the significant impact of shift work on perceived stress and shift work disorder, particularly among female odd shift workers. Tailored interventions are needed to address their heightened stress levels. Acknowledging gender disparities and adjusting shift schedules can bolster employee welfare and efficiency in varied work settings.