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Association between Shift Work and Neurocognitive Function among Firefighters in South Korea: A Prospective before–after Study

Author

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  • Kyeongmin Kwak

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Korea
    Department of Environmental Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul 08826, Korea)

  • Bong-Kyu Kim

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul 08826, Korea
    Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Daewoo Hospital, Geoje 53317, Korea)

  • Tae-Won Jang

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Korea)

  • Chang Sun Sim

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan 44033, Korea)

  • Yeon-Soon Ahn

    (Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Korea
    Institute of Genomic Cohort, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Korea)

  • Kyeong-Sook Choi

    (Department of Neuropsychiatry, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 34824, Korea)

  • Kyoung Sook Jeong

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju 26426, Korea)

Abstract

Background : Recent research indicates that shift work is associated with neurocognitive function. However, studies that examine the association between shift work and neurocognitive function in firefighters have not yet been performed. We examined the effect of shift work on neurocognitive function in firefighters by measuring and comparing neurocognitive function before and after night shift. Methods : 352 firefighters from eight fire stations in South Korea were included in this study. We performed neurocognitive function test using central nervous system vital signs (CNSVS) during daytime work and on the next day after night work. We performed paired t -tests to assess differences between neurocognitive function before and after night work. We also compared neurocognitive function in insomnia and depression. We used a general linear model to analyze the associations between shiftwork schedule and the changes in neurocognitive function. Results : The neurocognitive function significantly decreased in six domains (composite memory, verbal memory, visual memory, complex attention, psychomotor speed, and motor speed) as did the neurocognitive index on the next day after night work compared with during day work. These decreased domains were the same following night work regardless of the type of shift work. Conclusion : Night work in firefighters may cause neurocognitive decline.

Suggested Citation

  • Kyeongmin Kwak & Bong-Kyu Kim & Tae-Won Jang & Chang Sun Sim & Yeon-Soon Ahn & Kyeong-Sook Choi & Kyoung Sook Jeong, 2020. "Association between Shift Work and Neurocognitive Function among Firefighters in South Korea: A Prospective before–after Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:13:p:4647-:d:377402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eduardo Ferracioli-Oda & Ahmad Qawasmi & Michael H Bloch, 2013. "Meta-Analysis: Melatonin for the Treatment of Primary Sleep Disorders," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(5), pages 1-6, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Graham Marvin & Ben Schram & Robin Orr & Elisa F. D. Canetti, 2023. "Occupation-Induced Fatigue and Impacts on Emergency First Responders: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-45, November.
    2. Eun Hee Jang & Yujin Hong & Yeji Kim & Sangha Lee & Yeonsoon Ahn & Kyoung Sook Jeong & Tae-Won Jang & Hyejin Lim & Eunha Jung & Shift Work Disorder Study Group & Seockhoon Chung & Sooyeon Suh, 2020. "The Development of a Sleep Intervention for Firefighters: The FIT-IN (Firefighter’s Therapy for Insomnia and Nightmares) Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-14, November.

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