industrialised countries, approximately
20% of the working population engages in
some type of shift work schedule.1 According
to the Canadian General Social Survey
(2009), 4.1 million employed Canadians are
shift workers, representing roughly 27% of
the workforce.2 In the healthcare sector, the
proportion of shift workers is estimated to be
even higher at 45%.2 Furthermore, for all
health occupations combined, 84% of
Canadian hospital employees are female.3
This study aimed to further examine the
potential pathways in which shift work as a
highly prevalent exposure may lead to risk
for poor health among female hospital
workers.