Shiftwork and pregnancy loss among police officers: a preliminary investigation

Abstract

PurposePolicing requires atypical work hours. The present study examined associations between shiftwork and pregnancy loss among female police officers.Design/methodology/approachParticipants were 91 female officers with a prior history of at least one pregnancy. Shiftwork information was assessed using daily electronic payroll work records. Any prior pregnancy loss (due to miscarriage) was self-reported. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for main associations.FindingsOn average, the officers were 42 years old, had 14 years of service, and 56% reported a prior pregnancy loss. Officers who worked dominantly on the afternoon or night shift during their career had 96% greater odds of pregnancy loss compared to those on day shift (OR = 1.96, 95% CI:0.71–5.42), but the result was not statistically significant. A 25% increase in percent of hours worked on night shift was associated with 87% increased odds of pregnancy loss (OR = 1.87, 95% CI:1.01–3.47). Associations were adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors. Objective assessment of shiftwork via electronic records strengthened the study. Limitations include small sample size, cross-sectional design and lack of details on pregnancy loss or the timing of pregnancy loss with regard to shiftwork.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study is preliminary and cross-sectional.Practical implicationsWith considerable further inquiry and findings into this topic, results may have an impact on police policy affecting shift work and pregnant police officers.Social implicationsImplication on the health and welfare of police officers.Originality/value To our knowledge, there are no empirical studies which associate shiftwork and pregnancy loss among police officers. This preliminary study suggested an association between shiftwork and increased odds of pregnancy loss and points out the need for further study.