Regular Shift Workers Research Articles

Sleep Deprivation and Sleep Quality of Healthcare Shift Workers in Bangladesh

Shift work is an essential feature of industrialized society. Our present study was aimed at investigating the sleep deprivation and sleep quality of the healthcare shift workers in Bangladesh. In investigating so, we took 462 healthcare shift workers from five districts of Bangladesh. Among them 152 were male and 310 were female. The participants ranged from 19 to 65 years of age. We took the participants on the basis of convenience sampling technique from 30 hospitals and medical centers. To collect data we administered Bangla version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Findings of our study revealed that sleep deprivation and shifts were marginally dependent (χ2 = 11.56, p = 0.07). However, sleep quality had been found independent of shifts (χ2 = 4.31, p = 0.12). Shift-wise analyses yielded that sleep deprivation was high (μ = 7.56) and sleep quality was worse (μ = 3.78) in rotating shift workers in comparison to fixed and regular shift workers. Sleep quality was found better outside of metropolitan city (t = -3.258, p<0.01). Findings have been discussed in terms of previous findings and contemporary theories. Recommendations are proposed in the light of our findings in conclusion. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 67-75, 2024 (July)

Comparison of Quality of Life and Coping Strategies among Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services Personnel in Saveh, Iran.

Emergency medical service (EMS) personnel and firefighters (FFs) are first responders in dangerous and stressful situations. They experience high stress due to the nature of their jobs, which can affect their quality of life and various health dimensions. This study aimed to compare quality of life, job stress, and coping strategies in a sample of EMS personnel and FF employees in Iran. This cross-sectional study included 186 FFs and EMS, who were selected using a census sampling method. Our results showed that FFs had a better quality of life, lower perceived stress, and better coping skills than EMS. Individuals living in rural areas, government officials, and staff with regular work shifts also reported less perceived stress. Furthermore, our results indicated a negative and significant correlation between perceived stress and quality of life and a positive and significant correlation between stress management and quality of life in both groups. Given the inevitability of stress in EMS and FF jobs, policymakers need to take interventional measures to reduce anxiety and enhance the quality of life and work for these personnel. Occupational health policies in Iran generally follow the International Labor Organizational recommended standards, however, more attention to managerial interventions that reduce job demands and job stress combined with health promotion programs to improve coping are advised.

Shift schedules and circadian preferences: the association with sleep and mood.

We explored the circadian preferences of non-shift workers (non-SWs) and various types of shift workers (SWs), and the associations of these preferences with sleep and mood. In total, 4,561 SWs (2,419 women and 2,142 men aged 37.00 ± 9.80 years) and 2,093 non-SWs (1,094 women and 999 men aged 37.80 ± 9.73 years) completed an online survey. Of all SWs, 2,415 (1,079 women and 1,336 men aged 37.77 ± 9.96 years) reported regularly rotating or fixed schedules ("regular SWs"), and 2,146 (1,340 women and 806 men aged 36.12 ± 9.64 years) had irregular schedules ("irregular SWs"). Of the regular SWs, 2,040 had regularly rotating schedules, 212 had fixed evening schedules, and 163 had fixed night schedules. All participants completed the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) exploring circadian preferences, the short form of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) evaluating depression, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Compared to non-SWs, SWs had lower MEQ scores, i.e., more eveningness, after controlling for age, gender, income, occupation, and weekly work hours (F = 87.97, p < 0.001). Irregular SWs had lower MEQ scores than regular SWs (F = 50.89, p < 0.001). Among regular SWs, the MEQ scores of fixed evening and fixed night SWs were lower than those of regularly rotating SWs (F = 22.42, p < 0.001). An association between the MEQ and ESS scores was apparent in non-SWs (r = -0.85, p < 0.001) but not in SWs (r = 0.001, p = 0.92). SWs exhibited more eveningness than non-SWs; eveningness was particularly prominent in SWs with irregular or fixed evening/night shifts. Eveningness was associated with sleepiness only in non-SWs, but not in SWs.

Objectively-assessed physical activity and heat stress and the association with kidney function in female harvest workers in Spain

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Physical activity (PA) in hot environments has been associated with kidney damage. In harvest workers, PA has been primarily assessed by questionnaires in males. We aimed to study the association between objectively-measured PA intensity and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) over the course of one work shift, in female harvest workers in Spain. METHODS: Ninety women working in greenhouses wore a Zephyr chest harness to measure PA intensity during one regular work shift in June 2020. We determined the mean (PA_mean), standard deviation (PA_sd), and 3-minute-maximum (PA_max, a proxy of peak PA intensity) of PA intensity (vector magnitude units). We estimated heat stress (HS) in greenhouses based on wet bulb globe temperature index (ISO 7243:2017). Serum creatinine and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were measured before and after the work shift. AKI was defined as an increase in post-shift serum creatinine by at least 0.3 mg/dl or at least 1.5 times the pre-shift serum creatinine levels. Additionally, we calculated pre-post-shift differences in NGAL. We used logistic regressions adjusted for age, body mass index, and HS. HS was also assessed as an effect modifier. RESULTS: PA_sd and PA_max seemed to be associated with AKI (OR=1.57 (95%CI=0.82;3.21) and 1.41 (0.71;2.85), respectively), but not PA_mean. There was no interaction between any of the PA variables and HS (p-value LRT&amp;#x3e;0.1). Mean (SD) increase in NGAL levels over the course of a work shift was higher among participants with AKI (27.8 (7.5)) compared to those without AKI (12.2 (2.7)). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that large changes and peaks in PA intensity should be avoided to protect renal function of harvest workers. Increased levels of NGAL among those with AKI are indicative of kidney damage among those with increased serum creatinine levels. KEYWORDS: Occupational physical activity, acute kidney injury, ambient heat stress

Relationships between Alcohol Use, Musculoskeletal Pain, and Work-Related Burnout.

Background and Objectives: Burnout affects approximately half of all nurses, physicians, and other clinicians. Alcohol use may impair performance in work-related tasks, leading to decreased productivity and morale. The present study’s aim was to determine whether a causal relationship existed between alcohol use, work-related burnout (WB), and musculoskeletal pain. Materials and Methods: A total of 1633 members from a hospital affiliated with a medical university in Taichung, Taiwan, completed questionnaires in 2021, where 1615 questionnaires were declared valid. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on basic demographic variables, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory were used. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS Enterprise Guide 6.1 software, and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Work experience, being married, parenthood, leisure activities with family and friends, and regular weekly exercise were negatively associated with WB. In addition, overtime work, irregular and regular shift work, the physician and nurse medical profession, chronic disease (heart disease, diabetes, etc.), neck and both shoulders pain (NBSP), both ankles pain (BAP), and alcohol use frequency (AUF) were positively associated with WB. NBSP could explain the residual effect of AUF on WB. AUF was determined to mediate the relationship between NBSP and WB. In addition, NBSP was found to mediate the relationship between AUF and WB. Conclusions: The individuals who used alcohol to cope with NBSP or those with NBSP who often consumed alcohol had worsened WB due to a vicious circle of musculoskeletal pain and alcohol use. Therefore, medical staff should not consider alcohol use as an option to reduce burnout.

Exoskeletons for workers: A case series study in an enclosures production line

This case-series study aims to investigate the effects of a passive shoulder support exoskeleton on experienced workers during their regular work shifts in an enclosures production site. Experimental activities included three sessions, two of which were conducted in-field (namely, at two workstations of the painting line, where panels were mounted and dismounted from the line; each session involved three participants), and one session was carried out in a realistic simulated environment (namely, the workstations were recreated in a laboratory; this session involved four participants). The effect of the exoskeleton was evaluated through electromyographic activity and perceived effort. After in-field sessions, device usability and user acceptance were also assessed. Data were reported individually for each participant. Results showed that the use of the exoskeleton reduced the total shoulder muscular activity compared to normal working conditions, in all subjects and experimental sessions. Similarly, the use of the exoskeleton resulted in reductions of the perceived effort in the shoulder, arm, and lower back. Overall, participants indicated high usability and acceptance of the device. This case series invites larger validation studies, also in diverse operational contexts.

Personality Traits and Insomnia Symptoms in Shift Workers.

The discrepancy between natural sleep-wake rhythm and actual sleep times in shift workers can cause sleep loss and negative daytime consequences. Irregular shift schedules do not follow a fixed structure and change frequently, which makes them particularly harmful and makes affected individuals more susceptible to insomnia. The present study compares insomnia symptoms of non-shift workers, regular shift workers, and irregular shift workers and takes into account the moderating role of the Big Five personality traits and levels of perfectionism. Employees of an Austrian railway company completed an online survey assessing shift schedules, sleep quality and duration, daytime sleepiness, and personality traits. A total of 305 participants, of whom 111 were non-shift workers, 60 regular shift workers, and 134 irregular shift workers, made up the final sample. Irregular shift workers achieved significantly worse scores than one or both of the other groups in time in bed, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep latency, and the number of awakenings. However, the values of the irregular shifts workers are still in the average range and do not indicate clinical insomnia. Participants working regular shifts reported the best sleep quality and longest sleep duration and showed the least nocturnal awakenings, possibly due to higher conscientiousness- and lower neuroticism scores in this group. Agreeableness increased the effect of work schedule on total sleep time while decreasing its effect on the amount of sleep medication taken. Perfectionism increased the effect of work schedule on time in bed and total sleep time. Generalization of results is limited due to the high percentage of males in the sample and using self-report measures only.

Effect of Wildland Fire Smoke Exposure on Acute Cardiovascular Responses among Wildland Firefighters Working at Prescribed Burns

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Wildland firefighters at prescribed burns are exposed to elevated levels of wildland fire smoke (WFS) while performing physically demanding tasks. WFS exposure has been linked to increase in hospital/emergency admission for cardiovascular disorders in the general population. Working arduously in high heat-stress conditions also places a great demand on the cardiovascular system. However, knowledge about the cardiovascular effect of occupational WFS exposure during prescribed burns among wildland firefighters is relatively limited. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 38 wildland firefighters (34 males and 4 females, an average age of 35.63 ± 9.31 years and a firefighting career length of 9.08 ± 7.94 years) employed by the USFS–Wayne National Forest and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources–Division of Forestry participated in this study. Resting systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) and heart rate (HR) of wildland firefighters were measured before (pre-shift), after (post-shift), and the morning (next-morning) following prescribed burn shifts (burn days) and regular work shifts (non-burn days). RESULTS:On burn days, HR significantly increased from pre- to post-shift (p0.01) while SBP significantly decreased in the morning following the prescribed burns compared to pre-shift (p=0.04). However, this was due to the decrease of SBP in the firefighters who were hypertensive. Significant cross-shift reductions were observed in SBP on burn days compared to non-burn days (p0.01). A significant reduction on burn days was also observed from pre-shift to next-morning for HR compared to non-burn day (p=0.02) while HR significantly increased in pre- to post-shift on burn days compared to non-burn days (p0.01). CONCLUSIONS:Cross-shift changes in SBP and HR might be attributable to WFS exposure and physical exertion during the prescribed burns. The results suggest that wildland firefighting exposure might cause a distinct hemodynamic response, including SBP reduction and HR increment, especially for those who had pre-existing hypertension. KEYWORDS: Air pollution, Wildfires, Occupational exposures, Occupational epidemiology.

Acute cardiovascular responses of wildland firefighters to working at prescribed burn.

Wildland firefighters at prescribed burns are exposed to elevated levels of wildland fire smoke (WFS) while performing physically demanding tasks. WFS exposure has been linked to increases in hospital and emergency admissions for cardiovascular disorders in the general population. However, knowledge about the cardiovascular effect of occupational WFS exposure among wildland firefighters is limited. To provide a better understanding of the effect of this exposure scenario on acute hemodynamic responses, resting systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) and heart rate (HR) of wildland firefighters were measured before (pre-shift), after (post-shift), and the morning (next morning) immediately following prescribed burn shifts (burn days) and regular work shifts (non-burn days). A total of 38 firefighters (34 males and 4 females) participated in this study and resting BP and HR were recorded on 9 burn days and 7 non-burn days. On burn days, HR significantly increased from pre-to post-shift (13.25 bpm, 95% CI: 7.47 to 19.02 bpm) while SBP significantly decreased in the morning following the prescribed burns compared to pre-shift (-6.25mmHg, 95% CI: -12.30 to -0.20mmHg). However, this was due to the decrease of SBP in the firefighters who were hypertensive (-8.46mmHg, 95% CI: -16.08 to -0.84mmHg). Significant cross-shift reductions (post-shift/next morning vs. pre-shift) were observed in SBP on burn days compared to non-burn days (-7.01mmHg, 95% CI: -10.94 to -3.09mmHg and -8.64mmHg, 95% CI: -13.81 to -3.47mmHg, respectively). A significant reduction on burn days was also observed from pre-shift to the following morning for HR compared to non-burn days (-7.28 bpm, 95% CI: -13.50 to -1.06 bpm) while HR significantly increased in pre-to post-shift on burn days compared to non-burn days (10.61 bpm, 95% CI: 5.05 to 16.17 bpm). The decreased BP observed in wildland firefighters might be due to a high level of carbon monoxide exposure and exercise-induced hypotension. The increase in HR immediately after prescribed burns might be attributable to WFS exposure and physical exertion in prescribed burn shifts. The results suggest that wildland firefighting exposure might cause a distinct hemodynamic response, including SBP reduction and HR increment, especially for those who have pre-existing hypertension.

Cardiometabolic, dietary and physical health in graduate paramedics during the first 12-months of practice – a longitudinal study

Objective: Shift work is an established risk factor for poor health yet is necessary for paramedics to provide continuous care to the public. It is unknown how early into a career shift work may begin to impact health. This study sought to identify changes in cardiometabolic health, diet, aerobic capacity, physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in graduate paramedics during the first 12-months of their career. Methods: Fifty-six paramedics with no history of regular shift work (28 female, 28 male; median age 24.5, IQR 23-26 years) were recruited for this study. Dietary patterns (food frequency questionnaires) and HRQoL (36-Item Short Form Questionnaire) were assessed at baseline, 6- and 12-months. Body weight, body mass index (BMI) and blood samples (fasting lipids, glucose, insulin and C-reactive protein) were measured at baseline and 12-months to ascertain cardiometabolic health risk. A subset of participants (n = 19; 10 female, 9 male) wore a physical activity monitor for 12 months and completed baseline and 12-month maximal aerobic capacity assessments (V̇O2max). Results: Body weight and BMI decreased in males and increased in females (-0.7% versus 1.7%, p = 0.02). HRQoL and dietary intake did not change over 12-months, except for a small decrease in fat intake (-1%). Consumption of core/healthy foods was lower than recommended at all timepoints. Biomarkers of cardiometabolic health were within normal range and did not change over 12-months, excepting insulin where a small non-significant increase was seen (+0.5 mIU/L, p = 0.61). Baseline V̇O2max was 41.4 (37.1-49.1) ml.kg−1.min−1, with no change noted at 12-months. Comparison of quarterly physical activity data showed no difference in steps per day (p = 0.47) or moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA, p = 0.92) across the 12-months. Paramedics completed less MVPA on day shifts compared to rostered days off (-14.68 minutes, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Dietary patterns, HRQoL, cardiometabolic health, aerobic capacity and physical activity levels did not change meaningfully in the first year of practice. Some dietary behaviors and physical activity levels could be improved and may mitigate health effects of exposure to shift work. Long-term follow-up of this group may aid in developing programs to enhance health for paramedics and other health workers.

Labour market experience, educational attainment and self-reported happiness: crowding-out amongst young people in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT Recent literature on education and work well recognises the ‘crowding-out perspective’ of how higher education expansion impacts the labour market experience of young people with different educational levels. However, the relationship between the labour market experience and young people’s self-reported happiness remains less well understood. This paper examines whether a ‘crowding out’ effect occurs amongst post-secondary degree-holders on the self-reported happiness of young people (aged 16-34) amidst increasing difficulties during their school-to-work transition. Drawing on a city-wide online survey in a leading global city, Hong Kong, statistical analysis shows that contrary to the mainstream ‘crowding out perspective’, self-reported happiness is lower amongst young people with high rather than low educational attainment. However, in the absence of a ‘happiness premium’ of educational attainment, young people in Hong Kong with secondary degrees or below are much more sensitive to adverse labour market experiences, such as unemployment, high job pressure and long working hours. No similar moderating effect of educational attainment is found on the relationship between the self-reported happiness of young people and regular work shifts. The implications of these findings on the ‘crowding out perspective’ for youth development policy within East Asia and Hong Kong productivist welfare paradigm are discussed.

Identification and Evaluation of Human Error by Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique Technique in Overhead Cranes Operators : A case study in a steel industy in Khuzestan

Introduction: Studies in the field of industrial accidents show that human errors have the most important and main role in the occurrence of accidents. According to the literature, 60 to 90% of accidents occur due to the human errors and mistakes. Therefore, in this study, human errors among overhead cranes' operators working in steel industry were identified and analyzed by Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique (HEART).&#x0D; Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study examined the operators of overhead cranes in a steel industry in Khuzestan for 5 months. In this study, the tasks of the operators of 18 cabin control overhead cranes were analyzed by HTA method. Later, using the HEART method, the probability of human error for each task was calculated quantitatively.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the most important contributors to human error in both types of cabin and pendant overhead cranes included failure to understand the risk, the operators' inadequate physical and mental conditions, and disruption of the normal sleep cycle.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the HEART method was successful in ranking tasks due to the magnitude probability of errors. In order to reduce human error, the authorities are recommended to improve the employees' performance, prevent error caused by human factors, control strategies such as proper working guidelines, improve the quality of staff training, emphasize compliance with rules and regulations, plan regular work shifts, and develop programs to reduce the stress probability of error.

Evaluating and managing the probability of medical errors in nursing personnel using the HEART method

Introduction: Medical errors cause serious and often preventable injuries to patients. Studying human errors and their use as an opportunity for learning is a key factor in the effort to improve patient safety and quality of care in the hospitals. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate human errors to reduce their risks in nursing personnel using the Human Error Evaluation and Reduction (HEART) method.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in one of the hospitals of Rafsanjan in 1977. Initially, hierarchical task analysis was performed using HTA method and nurses' tasks were identified. In the next step, the probability of their human errors during work for all tasks was determined using the HEART method and the factors and conditions that were effective in causing the error were determined. Finally, in light of these conditions, suggestions were made to reduce the likelihood of these errors occurring.Results: The mean (standard deviation) human error score for the different tasks of nursing job was 1.79 (3.44). The maximum likelihood of error occurring in relation to the task of regulating and applying DC shock in emergencies was determined as 14.48. The least probability of error occurring for skin care task was 0.0014. The results of this study regarding the conditions that can lead to human error in nurses showed that the most important error generating conditions in nurses were novice and inexperienced, high stress, unreliable work tool, lack of control system transparency, lack of clarity and timely and direct confirmation of action. The highest mean human error probability score for Type C tasks was 4.34. Also the mean human error probability score for D, E and G tasks were 0.225, 0.198, and 0.00206 from right to left, respectively. The results of Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test showed that there was a statistically significant difference among the mean scores of human error probability scores of different groups (P-value &lt;0.001).Conclusion: Considering the critical consequences of human errors in nurses' work activities, developing specialized guidelines for their various activities, providing specialized training, as well as retraining of scientific and practical skills, increasing the workforce, reducing overtime, regular work shifts to improve the reliability of medical staff performance and familiarize staff with the risks that may result from errors in patients are necessary to reduce the likelihood of errors occurring in nurses.

Postural Strategies of Bus Drivers During a Regular Work Shift in Urban Area: A Pilot Study

Bus drivers are forced to adopt constrained postures for a long time on a daily basis. This may cause discomfort and, in the long term, represent a co-factor for the onset of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly in the low back. Objective measurements of biomechanical variables associated to sitting posture may be useful to better estimate the risk of MSD and, in this context, in recent times in chair movements (ICM) have been shown to represent a reliable tool to characterize sitting postural strategies. This study aimed to evaluate postural strategies of bus drivers during actual long-term driving session in urban area, through the analysis of ICM trend with shift time. Seven professional drivers were tested during regular 6-hours work-shift divided in 50 min point-to-point routes, interspersed by 10 minutes breaks at each last stop. Body-seat interface pressures were collected using a pressure sensitive mat and subjective discomfort rating was evaluated using a 2-parts questionnaire. The results show that, during the whole shift, most drivers report a constant increase in perceived discomfort and a correspondent increase in the overall number of ICM. However, it was interesting to observe that considering a single point-to-point route (i.e. the maximum amount of time in which the drivers must remain seated continuously) the number of ICM increase at the beginning of the period but then decrease significantly, probably when the optimal position to minimize discomfort is reached.

Alcohol use disorder and health-related quality of life in Korean night-shift workers: A cross-sectional study using the KNHANES 2007-2015 data.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of night-shift work, and the association of night-shift work with alcohol use disorders(AUDs), as well as with health-related quality of life(HRQL), in Korean adult workers. A total of 26,895 adult workers aged 20–59 years were included in the analysis. AUDs were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test(AUDIT), and HRQL was measured by the EuroQol-5D questionnaire with five main dimensions. We found an interaction effect between gender and working status on AUDs (p = 0.0065), suggesting that women are more fragile than men in terms of the effects of night work but not regarding HRQL (p = 0.1729). Female night workers had higher risk of AUDs than female day workers (odds ratio(OR): 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48–3.38) but this effect was not noted in male night workers (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.69–1.37). Lower HRQL was found in depression dimension for night workers compared to day workers (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.00–1.89), whereas day-night regular shift workers were protected from depression. Risk of AUDs and lower HRQL were identified in female night workers but not in male night workers. This association suggests that women are more fragile than men in terms of the effects of night work.

Measuring acute pulmonary responses to occupational wildland fire smoke exposure using exhaled breath condensate

Wildland firefighters are directly exposed to elevated levels of wildland fire (WF) smoke. Although studies demonstrate WF smoke exposure is associated with lung function changes, few studies that use invasive sample collection methods have been conducted to investigate underlying biochemical changes. These methods are also either unrepresentative of the deeper airways or capable of inducing inflammation. In the present study, levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress (8-isoprostane) and pro-inflammatory response (interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-8 [IL-8], C-reactive protein [CRP], and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1]) were determined in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples that were collected from firefighters before, after, and next morning following prescribed burn and regular work shifts. Results show only a marginal cross-shift increase in 8-isoprostane on burn days (.05 < p value < .1), suggesting WF smoke exposure causes mild pulmonary responses.

Effect of work schedule on prospective antidepressant prescriptions in Sweden: a 2-year sex-stratified analysis using national drug registry data

IntroductionDepression-related mood disorders affect millions of people worldwide and contribute to substantial morbidity and disability, yet little is known about the effects of work scheduling on depression. This study used...

Whole-Body Vibration Exposures Among Solid Waste Collecting Truck Operators

A number of studies have shown an association between whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure and the onset and development of low back pain among professional vehicle operators. This study measured WBV exposures from 12 drivers who operated four different types of solid waste collecting trucks during part of their regular work shift. The daily average weighted A(8), vibration dose value VDV(8), and vector sum A(8) and VDV(8) exposures were analyzed and compared across the solid waste collecting trucks. Study result showed that the majority of A(8) and all of the VDV(8) predominant axis exposures were above International Organization for Standardization (ISO) daily vibration action limit (A(8) = 0.5 m/s2, VDV(8) = 9.1 m/s1.75). Based on the predominant axis and vector sum exposures, most of the trucks reached the daily vibration action limits before 8-hours. When compared to the predominant axis A(8) exposures, the predominant axis VDV(8) exposures reduced the acceptable solid waste collecting truck operating times on average by over 4 hours. Our study results demonstrated that these solid waste collecting truck operators were exposed to high levels of both continuous and impulsive WBV exposures, with the impulsive WBV exposures indicating that they may pose a greater risk to the driver’s health.

Abstract 4249: Disparities in cancer screening between Latino and non-Latino firefighters: Evidence from the Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative

Abstract Firefighters face an increased risk for work-related exposures to hazardous environmental carcinogens during fire incidence response. A growing body of epidemiologic studies suggest that firefighter site-specific cancer incidence and mortality rates are higher when compared to the general US population. As the fastest-growing ethnic subgroup in the US, Latinos have been increasingly represented in the first responder workforce. Latinos relative to non-Latinos vary in cancer-related risk factors including rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity patterns, and rates of cancer morbidity and mortality. Despite these differences in risk factors, there is limited literature on the cancer screening behavior of Latino firefighters who may be at an increased risk for cancer. In the present study, we characterize sociodemographic and work characteristics in addition to cancer screening behaviors between Latino and non-Latino active firefighters. The Annual Cancer Survey (ACS) research project of the Firefighter Cancer Initiative launched with a 127-item comprehensive cancer questionnaire administered online to a non-probabilistic sample of firefighters employed in South Florida. We present ACS data collected during the first 12-months of this cross-sectional, convenience sample. Firefighters were invited and consented by the study team to complete the ACS using a secure iPad device during their regular work shift. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to predict history of cancer screening behaviors. Among the 3,152 study participants, the mean age was 40.4 years (± 9.1 years standard deviation), 34.3% were Latino, 10% female, and had been employed on average 14.0 years (± 8.6) as a firefighter. The number of Latino firefighters who had not seen a doctor in the past 12 months (5.1%) or visited a primary care physician for routine care (25.5%) was significantly more relative to non-Latino Firefighters (4.2% and 19.3%, respectively; both p&amp;lt;0.01). Across cancer screening behaviors, the number of Latino firefighters who ever had a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer (24.7% vs 38.1%, p&amp;lt;0.01) and a colonoscopy (20.0% vs. 29.0%, p&amp;lt;0.01) was significantly less than non-Latino firefighters. Latino firefighters are significantly less likely than their non-Latino colleagues to report a full body skin exam by their doctor (adjusted odds ratio 0.35; 95% CI 0.29-0.42) while controlling for age, gender, race, educational attainment, household income, health insurance type, routine access to primary care and tenure as a firefighter. Florida firefighters of Latino ethnicity tend to participate less in routine cancer screening practices. Strategies at the fire station or at the individual worker-level are needed to improve cancer screening disparities within this high-risk minority workforce. Citation Format: Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, Natasha Schaefer Solle, Tulay Koru-Sengul, Katerina M. Santiago, Kevin J. Moore, Feng Miao, David J. Lee, Erin N. Kobetz. Disparities in cancer screening between Latino and non-Latino firefighters: Evidence from the Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4249.

The Differential Effects of Regular Shift Work and Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Sleepiness, Mood and Neurocognitive Function.

To assess whether poor sleep quality experienced by regular shift workers and individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects neurobehavioral function similarly, or whether the different etiologies have distinct patterns of impairment. Thirty-seven shift workers (> 24 hours after their last shift), 36 untreated patients with OSA, and 39 healthy controls underwent assessment of sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]), mood (Beck Depression Index, State Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI], Profile of Mood States), vigilance (Psychomotor Vigilance Task [PVT], Oxford Sleep Resistance Test [OSLER], driving simulation), neurocognitive function (Logical Memory, Trails Making Task, Digit Span Task, Victoria Stroop Test) and polysomnography. Sleepiness (ESS score; median, interquartile range) did not differ between the OSA (10.5, 6.3-14) and shift work (7, 5-11.5) groups, but both had significantly elevated scores relative to the control group (5, 3-6). State anxiety (STAI-S) was the only mood variable that differed significantly between the OSA (35, 29-43) and shift work (30, 24-33.5) groups, however both demonstrated several mood deficits relative to the control group. The shift work and control groups performed similarly on neurobehavioral tasks (simulated driving, PVT, OSLER and neurocognitive tests), whereas the OSA group performed worse. On the PVT, lapses were significantly greater for the OSA group (3, 2-6) than both the shift work (2, 0-3.5) and control (1, 0-4) groups. Shift workers and patients with OSA had similar sleepiness and mood deficits relative to healthy individuals. However, only the patients with OSA showed deficits on vigilance and neurocognitive function relative to healthy individuals. These findings suggest that distinct causes of sleep disturbance likely result in different patterns of neurobehavioral dysfunction.