The relationship between shift work and body mass index among Canadian nurses

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between shift schedule and body mass index (BMI) among a sample of Canadian Nurses. BACKGROUND: Higher BMI values have been reported for employees working non-standard shifts compared to those working a regular daytime schedule. Little is known about the pathways through which shift work is associated with higher BMI. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of a sample from National Survey on the Work and Health of Nurses (N=9291). RESULTS: We found a small, but statistically significant, difference in BMI scores across shift schedule categories with higher BMI scores reported among female nurses working night or mixed shift schedules, compared with those working a regular daytime schedule. Adjustment for working conditions and employer supported facilities did not attenuate the association between shift work and BMI scores. CONCLUSIONS: The potential public health importance of this relationship requires further investigation given the small, but statistically significant, differences observed in this sample