Metabolic Syndrome and Rotational Shift Work Among Female Nurses: Assessing Occupational Health Risks

Background: Nurses involved in rotating shift duties are especially at risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to circadian rhythm disturbances and work-related stress. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of MetS among female nurses working rotational shifts in a tertiary public hospital in Western India. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 71 randomly selected female nurses aged 21–59 years, each with atleast two years of shift-work experience. MetS was diagnosed using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure measurements, along with perceived stress scores (Perceived Stress Scale) were collected. Results: The prevalence of MetS was 32.4%. Significant associations were found with age (p = 0.04), total work experience (p = 0.01), number of night shifts (p = 0.02), and duration of rotational shift work (p < 0.001). Low HDL (95.8%) and elevated random blood glucose (64.8%) were the most common components. Logistic regression revealed duration of rotational shift work as an independent predictor (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.02–1.86; p = 0.047). Conclusion: The study highlights the need for preventive interventions, including optimized shift scheduling and periodic metabolic screening among shift-working nurses.