Abstract
Abstract
Background
Shift work is a system in which different groups of workers
work at different times of the day and night. It may affect the physiological
health of an individual and hence fatigue, musculoskeletal disorder and changes
in physical activity may arise.
Objective
To compare the fatigue level, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
and physical activity level in aircraft engineers working in morning shift and
night shift.
Method
The study consisted of 100 aircraft engineers working at Indira
Gandhi International Airport, Terminal 1. 50 aircraft engineers working in
morning shift and 50 aircraft engineers working in night shift participated in
the study. Self-administered questionnaire i. e., Chalder Fatigue Scale,
Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and International Physical Activity
Questionnaire were used to access the fatigue level, the number of MSDs, and
physical activity level, respectively.
Results
The results showed significant difference in fatigue level, and
the level of physical activity morning shift versus night shift workers
(p<0.001). The mean value of fatigue level in morning shift was 4.9 and
in night shift was 14.6. The average mean value of physical activity level in
morning shift was 1972.61 MET min a week and in night shift was 1277.83 MET min
a week. MSDs were more common in night shift workers as compared to morning
shift workers.
Conclusion
The findings of the study suggested an increased in the level
of fatigue and decrease in the physical activity level among aircraft engineers
working night shift compared to those working morning shift. There are more MSDs
in aircraft engineers working night shift as compared to those working morning
shift.