Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Recent studies suggest that shift work is associated with metabolic syndrome in the shift workers. The population of truck drivers is of particular interest, because they frequently work irregular shifts. In addition, truck drivers have a high prevalence of sedentary habits, poor diet, and obesity. The aim of the present study was to investigate prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the relationship between metabolic syndrome and shift work schedule.   Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study. A total of 192 truck drivers were assessed and the variables studied were: body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, total and fraction cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the criterion set by the National Cholesterol Education Panel III.   Results: The average age was of 39.4±1.3. According to the anthropometric data, it was observed that there were waist circumference >102 cm in 54%, HDL cholesterol <40/dl in 27%, triglyceride >150mg/dl in 29%, and glycemia >110mg/dl in 19.5%. Hypertension prevalence was 10.4%. Regression analyses to show the relationships between shift work and metabolic syndrome were performed using simple and multivariate models and adjusted for age, personal habit such as smoking, and physical activity.   Conclusion: We found a significant association between shift work and metabolic syndrome. In truck drivers, shift work may be responsible for increased waist circumference, total cholesterol, and some features of metabolic syndrome.