The association between long working hours, shift work, and suicidal ideation: A systematic review and meta-analyses

Aug 14, 2024Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health

Long working hours and shift work linked to thoughts of suicide: A combined analysis

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Abstract

The overall odds ratio for long working hours and suicidal ideation is 1.44.

Long working hours are associated with a 1.44 times greater risk of suicidal ideation compared to shorter hours.
Shift work is linked to a 1.34 times increased risk of suicidal ideation.
Individuals working more than 55 hours per week have a 1.65 times higher risk of suicidal thoughts compared to those working less than 40 hours.
Fixed night shift workers face a 1.37 times higher risk of suicidal ideation than those who do not work shifts.
The findings suggest a connection between occupational factors and mental health, specifically regarding suicidal ideation.

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OBJECTIVES: The association between occupational psychosocial factors and mental health has been studied in several systematic reviews. However, few systematic reviews exist that specifically address suicidal ideation. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the associations between long working hours, shift work, and suicidal ideation.

METHODS: We systematically screened and collected studies published between January 1970 and September 2022 from three electronic databases and Google Scholar. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random-effects model and assessed the risk of bias using a navigation guide. Additionally, the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to consider five items, including the risk of bias and publication bias.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight articles were included in this meta-analysis. After adjusting for covariates, the overall odds ratio (OR) for long working hours and shift work were 1.44 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-1.63] and 1.34 (95% CI 1.22-1.47), respectively. Compared with those who worked <40 hours per week, those who worked >55 hours per week had a 1.65 (95% CI 1.37-1.98) higher risk of suicidal ideation, and fixed night shift workers had 1.37 (95% CI 1.03-1.83) higher risk than non-shift workers.

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence has shown associations between long working hours, shift work, and suicidal ideation. Implementing evidence-based interventions to address these risk factors may help prevent the progression of suicidal ideation. However, further studies are critically needed, especially those using standardized exposure definitions and longitudinal data.

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The association between long working hours, shift work, and suicidal ideation: A systematic review and meta-analyses

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