Cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk factors among male night-shift workers in South Korea: a comparative analysis of drivers and security guards

This study investigates the prevalence of cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) risk factors among male night-shift workers in South Korea, focusing on drivers and security guards, who constitute a significant portion of the older worker population.

Using data from the 2016 nationwide workers' special health examination, the authors analyzed health habits, past illnesses, and body measurements related to CCVDs among male drivers (N = 8862) and security guards (N = 7156) in their 60s.

The age of the drivers and security guards were mean ± standard deviation 63.19±2.62 years and 64.93±2.72 years, respectively. The drivers exhibit unhealthier lifestyle habits and a higher prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity compared to security guards. Additionally, drivers have unhealthier body measurement values and a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.844, 95% CI: 1.722-1.974, p < 0.001).

These findings underscore the heightened risk of CCVD among drivers compared to security guards among older night-shift workers in South Korea, highlighting the need for tailored health policies for this demographic. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(3):296-308.