Effects of environmental and organizational factors on the health of shiftworkers of a printing company

This study explored the effects of environmental and organizational stresso rs on the health of shiftworkers in a printing company (n = 124). A questio nnaire was used to gather data on work history, organizational factors, psy chosocial characteristics, medical history, present health, occupational an d non-occupational exposures, and lifestyle factors. The Perception of envi ronmental and organizational conditions was associated (P < 0.05) with chro nic back pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.29), varicose veins (OA 1.35), allergic r hinitis (OA 1.27), depression (OR, 1.45), and gastritis (OA 1.15). Anxiety scores were associated with allergic rhinitis (OR, 1.14) and skin allergy ( OR, 1.09). Shiftwork was a significant risk factor for conjunctivitis (OR, 3.68), depression (OR, 0.23), cardiac arrhythmia (OR, 7.13), and gastritis (OA 4.38). Other associations included tenure and chronic back pain (OA 4.8 9), toluene exposure and skin allergy (Og 3.76), worksite and conjunctiviti s (OR, 7.0), and worksite and dermatitis (OR, 1.24 to 4.95). The number of hours of exercise per week was associated with varicose veins (OR, 4.33), a nd alcohol intake was associated with cardiac arrhythmia (OR, 6.74).