The Association Between Self-reported Shift Work and Change in Kidney Function in Women and Men in a Multiethnic Population: The HELIUS Study.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the association between self-reported shift work and change in kidney function in women and men in a multiethnic cohort.

METHOD: Data from the prospective Life in Urban Setting (HELIUS) cohort (3812 women, 3488 men), including adults from 6 ethnic backgrounds based in the Netherlands, were used to assess associations between self-reported shift work and change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) using sex-stratified linear regressions and mediation analyses.

RESULTS

Shift work was associated with a significant decline in eGFR but not ACR among men versus non-shift workers. No significant associations were found for change in eGFR or ACR in women overall. No evidence was found for a mediating role of traditional- and lifestyle-related chronic kidney disease risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Shift work may be detrimental to kidney health. Employers and policymakers should consider addressing the potential kidney health risks of shift work, particularly in men.