Table 5

Multivariable analysis of shift work exposure factors independently associated with dietary behaviours and physical activity levels of shift workers (n=1300)*

VariablesFruit/veg intake
≥5 servings/day
(n=522)†
Wholegrain intake
≥1 serving/day
(n=512)†
Soft drink intake
≥1 serving/week
(n=487)†
Physical activity
≥150 minutes/week
(n=509)‡
P valueaOR (95% CI)P valueaOR (95% CI)P valueaOR (95% CI)P valueaOR (95% CI)
Occupational sector
(ref: health and social work)
 Accommodation and foodns1.06 (0.67–1.66)ns0.85 (0.58 to 1.23)nsnsns0.70 (0.39 to 1.26)
 Retailns0.80 (0.52–1.24)0.0220.65 (0.44 to 0.94)ns0.81 (0.48 to 1.35)ns1.52 (0.85 to 2.71)
 Manufacturingns1.05 (0.60–1.82)ns0.91 (0.58 to 1.42)0.0192.03 (1.12 to 3.68)ns1.34 (0.66 to 2.75)
 Otherns0.90 (0.61–1.33)ns1.17 (0.86 to 1.58)ns1.11 (0.71 to 1.75)ns1.33 (0.79 to 2.24)
Duration of SW exposure
(ref: <8 years)
 ≥8 yearsN/A0.021.38 (1.05 to 1.82)ns0.89 (0.62 to 1.30)ns1.15 (0.74 to 1.80)
Average shift length
(ref: <8 hours)
 8–11 hours N/Ans0.99 (0.75 to 1.32)ns0.73 (0.50 to 1.06)ns0.99 (0.63 to 1.55)
 ≥12 hours N/Ans1.26 (0.89 to 1.79)0.0320.59 (0.37 to 0.96)ns1.12 (0.64 to 1.96)
Predominant SW pattern
(ref: days)
 NightsN/A0.0110.61 (0.41 to 0.89)N/AN/A
 RotatingN/A0.0260.65 (0.45 to 0.95)N/AN/A
 OtherN/A0.0020.65 (0.50 to 0.86)N/AN/A
  • Significant ORs (p<0.05) are denoted in bold font (these remained significantly associated with the outcome of interest after multivariable analysis)

  • *The full list of covariates included in the analysis is represented by those in the left-hand columns of tables 4 and 5

  • †According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland dietary guidelines16

  • ‡Minutes per week based on national and international physical activity guidelines25 26

  • N/A, not applicable (not significantly associated with the outcome of interest in univariable analysis); ns, not significant following multivariable analysis.