Association between night-shift frequency and metabolic syndrome among healthcare workers: a moderated mediation analysis of occupational stress and sleep quality

Background

Night-shift work is highly prevalent among healthcare workers and has been associated with various adverse health outcomes, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the psychosocial factors potentially involved in this association remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between night-shift frequency and MetS among healthcare workers and to explore the potential statistical indirect association through occupational stress, as well as whether the association between night-shift frequency and occupational stress varied according to sleep quality, providing scientific evidence for workplace health promotion and MetS prevention in healthcare settings.