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.
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
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
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
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
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
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 Other information about the project.