The Relationship of Shift Work and Oral Health in Nurses

Shift work, in addition to its effects on physical, psychological and social status, may impact on oral health. The aim of this research was to assess the relationship between shift work and oral health in nurses. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 120 nurses working in a hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2015-2014. Oral health status and DMFT index )Decayed, Missing and Filling Teeth( was assessed by a dentist through clinical examination. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software, chi-squared test, independent samples t-test and multiple logistic regressions test. Results: The results showed that the means of DMFT index in shift work nurses and nonshift work nurses were 4.10 ± 8.10 and 2.8 ± 9.41, respectively. There was no significant difference between decayed, missing and filled teeth and periodontal DMFT index in both groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age was a significant predictor of DMFT indictor )P < 0.001(. No significant relationship was found in DMFT index with gravid, parity, family income, anxiety and work experience. conclusions: This study demonstrated that shift work was not an independent factor affecting oral health. However, regarding the DMFT index mean differences and nurses’ job responsibilities, it seems necessary to pay more attention to this occupational group. Received: 24/05/2016 Accepted: 26/06/2016