The association between long working hours, shift work, and suicidal ideation: A systematic review and meta-analyses

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Mental Health Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Occupational psychosocial factors are linked to mental health outcomes.
• Limited systematic reviews focus on suicidal ideation in relation to work factors.
• Long working hours and shift work are prevalent occupational exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between long working hours, shift work, and suicidal ideation.
• To quantify the risk of suicidal ideation associated with specific occupational exposures.
• To synthesize existing evidence on work-related risk factors for suicidal ideation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of three electronic databases and Google Scholar (1970-2022).
• Meta-analysis using a random-effects model.
• Risk of bias assessment and GRADE approach for evidence quality evaluation.

Main Results:

• Twenty-eight articles were included in the meta-analysis.
• Long working hours (OR 1.44) and shift work (OR 1.34) were associated with increased suicidal ideation.
• Working >55 hours/week increased risk by 1.65 times; fixed night shift work increased risk by 1.37 times.

Conclusions:

• Evidence supports a link between long working hours, shift work, and suicidal ideation.
• Interventions targeting these occupational risk factors are recommended for prevention.
• Further research with standardized definitions and longitudinal data is needed.