The association between night shift work and elevated risk of smoking use among ride-hailing drivers: findings from a...

Night shift work is linked to smoking in traditional occupations, while the association with substance use among ride-hailing drivers is unknown. This study examined the associations of night shift work with tobacco and alcohol use behaviors among ride-hailing drivers in China, a vulnerable and understudied occupational group.

A cross-sectional study for ride-hailing drivers in Beijing, China (PWS study), was conducted and assessed night shift, smoking and drinking habits via structured questionnaires. Heavy smokers and high intensity drinking workers were further identified based on established standards. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed and adjusted for sociodemographic and occupational covariates (sex, age, income, etc.) to evaluate the associations of night shift work with tobacco and alcohol consumption habits.

Among 858 ride-hailing drivers, 23% worked night shift. Night shift workers exhibited significantly higher smoking prevalence (59.4% vs. 47.7%) and higher smoking index (0 vs. 140), compared with day shift workers. In the logistic regression model, night shift workers had significantly higher odds of being a smoker [(OR = 1.595 (95% CI, 1.108-2.307)], and a heavy smoker (smoking index ≥ 400; OR = 1.682, 95% CI: 1.002-2.824) compared with day shift workers. The study found no link between alcohol consumption and night shifts among ride-hailing drivers.

The high smoking prevalence among ride-hailing drivers, further elevated by night shift work, highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions in China's platform economy.