Cross-Sectional Association Between Work Intervals and Metabolic Syndrome Among Japanese Daytime Workers: Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between work intervals and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Japanese daytime workers. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 5094 daytime workers from the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study. Work intervals, with and without commuting, were calculated using a self-administered questionnaire. The Joint Interim Statement criteria defined MetS. Logistic regression estimated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for MetS across quartiles of work intervals. Although participants with the shortest interval had unhealthy lifestyles, they had a lower prevalence of MetS (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.97) than those with the longest. This association was no longer significant after accounting for commuting (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.68-1.10). MetS was more prevalent among those with unhealthy lifestyles, regardless of work interval. Cross-sectionally measured shorter work intervals were not associated with a higher prevalence of MetS.