Comparison of problems related to 12 and 24-shift shift work in emergency medical technicians of Ardabil province

Abstract

Introduction: Shift work is one of the factors affecting the performance of employees in the field of health care, which can have important effects on their health. The present study was conducted to compare the problems related to 12 and 24-hour shift work among emergency medical technicians in Ardabil province.

Materials and Methods: The present study was descriptive-analytical research that was conducted on 157 technicians from 115 urban emergency centers in Ardabil province who were selected by census method in 2018. The data collection tool was standard shift work (SSW) questionnaire. The data were analyzed through SPSS version 20 software and using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test.

Results: The results showed that the physical and mental workload of emergency medical technicians working 12-hour shifts is higher than that of 24-hour shift workers. Also, the willingness of 12-hour shift workers to continue working according to the productivity improvement law was significantly more than urban 24-hour shift workers (P<0.001). 24-hour shift technicians had more time for personal life compared to 12-hour shift workers (P=0.008). Feeling tired during the day, stomachache and heartburn, and back pain were relatively common problems among all emergency medical workers.

Conclusion: Considering that the physical and mental workload of 12-hour shift workers is more than 24-hour shifts, it is recommended that managers should prioritize the work schedule of emergency medical technicians, including reducing their working hours.