P-531 Perceived Health Impact of Night Work – A Qualitative Study From the Perspective of Night Workers

Abstract Introduction A large fraction of the workforce works at night. While epidemiological evidence indicates that night work has a severe impact on health, insight into empirical experiences of night workers themselves is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide insight into the experiences of night workers on the impact of night work on their physical, mental, and social health. Furthermore, night workers’ views on the appreciation of night work were explored. Methods Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured peer-to-peer interviews (n=25). For this, 5 night workers were trained to conduct each 5 interviews with night-working colleagues (peers) about their experiences with the health consequences of night work. Transcripts were analyzed utilizing thematic analysis using inductive, iterative coding. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was followed. Results Night workers experienced reduced work capacity and daily functioning, decreased energy and fatigue, decreased sleep quality, decreased concentration and memory and emotional dysregulation, and a mental focus in preparation for the upcoming night work period. Additionally, the experiences showed social challenges, reduced need for social contact and an often-negative impact on the perceived quality of family life. Intra-personal differences were apparent in the appreciation of night work: e.g., increased daytime flexibility, a calmer working atmosphere, versus a lack of social-cultural understanding, and night work as a mandatory labor requirement. Discussion/Conclusion The overall experiences unfold a diverse, predominantly adverse, impact of night work on mental, physical, and social health. Furthermore, intra-personal differences in the appreciation of night work need to be contemplated conscientiously.