Effect of initiation and cessation of night shift work on health: A retrospective longitudinal study

This study aimed to evaluate the changes of health outcomes in individuals who started and those who ceased working the night shift. Linear mixed models were used to determine whether the initiation and cessation groups differed from the control group in terms of annual changes in health outcomes. When comparing the control and initiation groups, The Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale showed significant increase compared to the control group, while the metabolic equivalent task scores showed significant decrease compared to the control group. The body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels showed significant increase compared to the control group, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level showed significant decrease compared to the control group. This study identified depressive mood changes and decreased physical activity as the first manifestations of night shift work. An increase in BMI and worsening of lipid profiles were observed in the cessation group, relative to the control group.