Abstract
PurposeWhether night-shift work is a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between night-shift work and other factors, and erosive esophagitis.MethodsA cross-sectional study with 6040 male shipyard workers was performed. Esophagogastroduodenoscopic examination and a survey about night-shift work status, lifestyle, medical history, educational status, and marital status were conducted in all workers. The odds ratios of erosive esophagitis according to night-shift work status were calculated by using the logistic regression model.ResultsThe prevalence of erosive esophagitis increased in the night-shift workers [odds ratio, 95 % confidence interval: 1.41 (1.03–1.94)]. According to multiple logistic regression models, night-shift work, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption of ≥140 g/week were significant risk factors for erosive esophagitis. By contrast, Helicobacter pylori infection was negatively associated with erosive esophagitis.ConclusionNight-shift work is suggested to be a risk factor for erosive esophagitis. Avoidance of night-shift work and lifestyle modification should be considered for prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Highlights
After the industrial revolutions, the concept of shift work emerged, and the type of work was divided into day and night shifts
Data were obtained from 6040 shipyard workers who were at least 30 years old and underwent a routine health checkup that included esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at the Ulsan University Hospital Heath Promotion Center (UUH-HPC) in Ulsan, South Korea, between March 2012 and February 2013
Most of the characteristics of the workers who had worked on night shifts were similar to those of the workers who had never worked night shifts (Table 1)
Summary
The concept of shift work emerged, and the type of work was divided into day and night shifts. Among the companies in South Korea, 20 % have adopted shift work and 80 % of those companies that have adopted shift work have adopted a 12-h day shift (Son et al 2008). Working at night can affect health in various manners because it disrupts the circadian rhythm (Knutsson 2003). Almost all physical functions, including the control of appetite and digestion, are regulated by the circadian rhythm (Knutsson 2010). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition developed when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications (Vakil et al 2006). GERD symptoms cause a large burden among employers because of the high absence rate and poor performance (Locke et al 1997)
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