SVIBOR - Project code: 3-01-128

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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Project code: 3-01-128


WORKING TIME AND BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS


Main researcher: VIDAČEK, STJEPAN (52066)



Assistants
Type of research: applied
Duration from: 01/01/91. to 12/31/94.

Papers on project (total): 28
Papers on project quoted in Current Contents: 2
Institution name: Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb (22)
Department/Institute: Laboratory of the Psychophysiology of Work (till 31.5.1992.) Laboratory of Biomatematics (from 1.6.1992.)
Address: Ksaverska cesta 2, p.p. 291
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Communication
Phone: 385 (0)1 434-188
Fax: 385 (0)1 274-572
E-mail: bvidacek@mimi.imi.hr
E-mail: svidacek@mimi.imi.hr

Summary: The aim of the studies in this projects was to assess the relationships between individual differences and circadian rhythm parameters on the one hand, and various indices of shiftwork tolerance on the other hand. Three studies were performed: (a) a cross-sectional study of a large group of shiftworkers already involved in shiftwork for some time, (b) a study of selected groups of tolerant and intolerant shiftworkers and workers who had never worked in shifts, and (c) a longitudinal study of young subjects whose first job entailed shiftwork and who were examined before leaving school and at several follow-ups after entering shiftwork. The results obtained in the cross-sectional study provided information on individual and common contribution of a number of different features of workers to the explanation of differences in shiftwork tolerance. The results obtained in the longitudinal study of young shiftworkers, who entered shiftwork for the first time, revealed a possibility to predict tolerance to shiftwork on the basis of some features measured before entering shiftwork. In addition, these results revealed changes in shiftworkers' sleep during the first years of shiftwork exposure. The guidelines which could decrease a negative effect of shiftwork on work abilities and well-being of workers were published. Further analysis of obtained data as well as more follow-ups of young shiftworkers are required to gain more data about the possibility to predict tolerance, and data about the changes that occur during longer exposure to shiftwork.

Keywords: working time, shiftwork, health, sleep duration, sleep quality, circadian rhythms, oral temperature, heart rate, mood, shiftwork tolerance, individual differences, recommendations

Research goals: The aim of the studies in this projects was to assess the relationships between certain features of workers on the one hand, and various indices of shiftwork tolerance on the other hand. In the previous studies only some features were used for this purpose, such as morningness-eveningness, neuroticism and extraversion. In our studies some additional features were measured, such as various circadian types and control of behavioral arousal. Further, in these studies parameters of the 24-hour (circadian) variations in some physiological and psychological functions were estimated, which were expected to be closely related to shiftwork tolerance. Tolerance to shiftwork measures investigated were those concerning workers health, quality and duration of their sleep as well as their behaviour during working and rest days. Results obtained in these studies have increased knowledge about the impact of night and shiftwork on work efficiency and wellbeing of workers, providing information on individual and common contribution of a number of different features of workers to the explanation of differences in shiftwork tolerance. The results obtained in the longitudinal study of young shiftworkers, who entered shiftwork for the first time, have gained unique information about a possibility to predict tolerance to shiftwork on the basis of one's features before entering shiftwork. In addition, these results have revealed changes in shiftwork tolerance during the first years of shiftwork exposure. Finally, the obtained results could be used in making guidelines which should decrease a negative effect of shiftwork on work abilities and well-being of workers.


COOPERATION - PROJECTS


  1. Name of project: JFP-889 Shiftworkers' features and tolerance to shiftwork
    Name of institution: U.S. National Institute of Health - Bethesda, U.S. National Institute of Occuaptional Safety and Health - Cinncinati
    City: Bethesda, U.S.


COOPERATION - INSTITUTIONS


  1. Name of institution: MRC/ESCR Social and Applied Psychology Unit
    Type of institution: University/Faculty
    Type of cooperation: Occasional exchange of information
    City: Sheffield, Great Britain

  2. Name of institution: INA-Industrija nafte Zagreb, Rafinerija nafte Rijeka
    Type of institution: Economical/Production
    Type of cooperation: Occasional exchange of information
    City: 51000 - Rijeka, Croatia

  3. Name of institution: INA-Industrija nafte Zagreb, Rafinerija nafte Rijeka
    Type of institution: Economical/Production
    Type of cooperation: Joint publishing of scientific papers
    City: 51000 - Rijeka, Croatia

  4. Name of institution: Centar za poremećaje spavanja Kliničke psihijatrijske bolnice Vrapče
    Type of institution: Institution whose primary activities ar
    Type of cooperation: Occasional exchange of information
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

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Last update: 10/16/95
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