Working irregular shift patterns is associated with functional constipation among healthy trainee nurses

Ali Ebrahim,Salim Fredericks

doi:10.4081/gi.2017.7229

Abstract

The circadian system has a role in regulating gastrointestinal physiology. Perturbation of this system is associated with gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. Shiftwork and poor sleep quality are associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders among many professional groups. This study compared bowel habits between trainee nurses with regular and irregular patterns of shiftwork. Male and female nursing students, enrolled on the first year (regular shifts; n=49) and the fourth year (irregular shifts, n=48) of a nursing degree course were surveyed. Questionnaires were used to assess functional diarrhea and constipation over a three month period. The prevalence of functional constipation among regular shift workers was lower than that found among irregular shift workers; 31.3% and 61.2%, respectively. There was no difference between the two groups in relation to the prevalence of diarrhea. This suggests an association between shiftwork and functional constipation, but not with functional diarrhea.

Highlights

The circadian system has a role in regulating gastrointestinal physiology
Study subjects The study population consisted of 127 participants and took place between May and June 2015
Quality of sleep that found among irregular shift workers, at tional constipation was associated with; was assessed according to the approach of 31.3% and 61.2%, respectively

Summary

Working irregular shift patterns is associated with functional constipation

Reports have appeared linking irregular shiftwork patterns to several conditions including: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, appetite disturbance, neoplasia, Correspondence: Salim Fredericks, RCSI Bahrain, P.O. Shiftwork and poor sleep quality are associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders among many professional groups. This ly study compared bowel habits between trainee nurses with regular and irregular n patterns of shiftwork. There was e no difference between the two groups in relation to the prevalence of diarrhea This m suggests an association between shiftwork and functional constipation, but not with m functional diarrhea. The aim of this study was to assess symptoms associated with lower gastrointestinal tract dysfunction among healthy trainee nurses who work regular and irregular shift patterns. Comparisons of selfreported bowel habits, between these two groups of participants, were employed to study the influence of shiftwork on the prevalence of constipation and diarrhea

Materials and Methods

Results

Irregular shift work