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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-04-2020 | Insomnia | Original Article

The relationship between the pattern of shift work and sleep disturbances in Korean firefighters

Authors: Tae-Won Jang, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Kyeong-Sook Choi

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Sleep disturbances are prevalent in firefighters, but the relationship between patterns of shift work and sleep disturbances has not yet been investigated. Here, this relationship has been evaluated in Korean firefighters.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire, which captured demographic, psychosocial and work-related characteristics. Sleep disturbance was assessed using the insomnia severity index (ISI). The relationship between insomnia and work-related factors (including type of shift work and the frequency of emergency events and off-duty work which means overtime work on off days) was analyzed.

Results

A total of 9810 firefighters completed the survey, representing approximately 21.5% of all Korean firefighters; data from 9738 subjects were included in the analysis. All firefighter roles were significantly associated with insomnia; the odds ratio (OR) was 2.456 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.461–4.128) for fire suppression and 1.871 (95% CI 1.105–3.167) for the emergency medical services and rescue. However, the pattern of shift work did not show a statistically significant relationship. The OR increased along with the frequency of emergency events and off-duty work (p value for trend < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study found a significant association between the frequency of emergency and off-duty work and insomnia in Korean firefighters, whereas the pattern of shift work showed no significant relationship. Therefore, measures to reduce the frequency of emergency and off-duty work are required to prevent sleep disturbances in firefighters.

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Title: The relationship between the pattern of shift work and sleep disturbances in Korean firefighters
Authors: Tae-Won Jang
Kyoung Sook Jeong
Yeon-Soon Ahn
Kyeong-Sook Choi
Publication date: 01-04-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Insomnia
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-019-01496-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The relationship between the pattern of shift work and sleep disturbances in Korean firefighters

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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