Comparison of general health status and sleeping quality of shift workers in a car industry workshop 2008

Background: Sleeping disturbances considered as a remarkable health problem among shift workers, which may lead to physical and mental disorders. This study aimed to examine the sleeping quality and its relationships with the general health among shift workers in a metal press workshop.

Methods: Descriptive study was conducted and assists 196 subjects of shift workers who were working in press workshop in a car industry. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Pittsburg sleep quality Index (PSQI) was used. In addition, some information was collected through interview in the workplace and was analyzed by Fisher and Chi-Square statistical tests.

Results: findings suggest that undesirable general health status and poor sleep quality rates were 36.7% and 50% respectively. Statistical tests showed significant associations between sleeping quality and general health (p<0.001). 50% and 31.4% of permanent daytime workers and shift workers categorized undesirable general health respectively.  Furthermore, poor sleeping quality was 57.1% and 47.1% in permanent daytime workers and shift workers. There was no significant association between shift work with general health (p= 0.33)  and  sleeping quality ( p= 0.75). 

Conclusion: According to our findings, intervention planning should focus on reducing physical stressors and workers’ education on healthy sleeping.