Impact of shift work on irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia: A meta-analysis.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Meta-analysis of observational studies
PubMed 35758349 · doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000029211
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic search in PubMed and Embase through June 30, 2021, for observational studies evaluating the link between shift work and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia (FD). Two reviewers independently extracted data and appraised study quality to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs).
What was found
Eight studies were included. Shift work was significantly associated with higher odds of IBS (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.32; p < 0.05; I² = 0%). In contrast, shift work showed no statistically significant association with FD (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.23; p > 0.05).
Why it matters
Circadian disruption from shift work may contribute to lower gastrointestinal dysfunction such as IBS, while upper gastrointestinal functional symptoms like dyspepsia appear unaffected based on current observational data.
Limits
The analysis relies entirely on observational studies, which cannot establish causality and may be subject to residual confounding. The total number of individual participants, specific shift patterns (e.g., rotating vs. fixed night shifts), and diagnostic criteria definitions across individual studies were not detailed in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Shift work is associated with worse overall health outcomes, including increased rates of digestive and mood issues.