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A cross-sectional study on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level and shift work among reproductive age
Maryam Nikpour1, Aram Tirgar2, Mahmod Hajiahmadi3
1Student Research Committee, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
Insights
Shift work significantly increases the risk of high high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in women of reproductive age. This elevated hs-CRP may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, highlighting the need for better sleep education for shift workers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Occupational Health
- Inflammatory Markers
Background:
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a key inflammatory marker and predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- The relationship between shift work and hs-CRP levels in reproductive-aged women requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between serum hs-CRP levels and shift work in women of reproductive age.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 350 women (172 shift workers, 178 day workers) in North Iran.
- hs-CRP levels were categorized into low, moderate, and high CVD risk.
- Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 11.1% of participants had high hs-CRP levels (>3 µg/ml).
- Shift workers showed a significantly higher prevalence of high hs-CRP (15.6%) compared to day workers (7.0%).
- Shift work independently increased the odds of high hs-CRP by 2.45 times (OR=2.45, p=0.047).
Conclusions:
- Shift work is a significant predictor of elevated hs-CRP levels in reproductive-aged women.
- Potential mechanisms include sleep disturbances and occupational stress associated with shift work.
- Educating female shift workers on sleep quality may mitigate CVD risk.
Background:
Among the inflammatory factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum hs-CRP level with shift work among reproductive age women.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to May 2018 in three cities in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran. Through purposive sampling, 350 women (172 shift workers and 178 day workers) were recruited. The guideline recommended by the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was used to interpret the result of hs-CRP measurement as the following: less than 1 µg/ml: low CVD risk; 1-3 µg/ml: moderate CVD risk; and more than 3 µg/ml: high CVD risk. The data were analyzed using the independent-sample t and the chi-square tests as well as the logistic regression analysis.
Results:
11.1% of participants had a serum hs-CRP level of more than 3 µg/ml. This rate among shift workers was significantly greater than day workers (15.6% vs. 7.0%; p=0.012). After adjusting the effects of potential confounders shift work significantly increased the odds of serum hs-CRP level of more than 3 µg/ml by 2.45 times (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.01-5.93, p=0.047).
Conclusion:
Shift work is a significant predictor of high serum hs-CRP level probably due to its association with sleep problems and occupational stress. Improving the knowledge of female shift workers about the importance of quality sleep can reduce their CVD risk and improve their health.
