Comparative Study on Health Status of Women Working in Day and Night Shifts of IT Companies in Coimbatore

Abstract

The Nutritional and health status of women is of great concern in the contemporary world, because the multiple roles played by women give rise to serious and nutritional problems. Today, women represent over 40% of the global labor force. Approximately 70% of women in developed countries and 60% in developing countries are engaged in paid employment. Hence, the present study was taken up to compare the health status of working women in day and night shifts of Coimbatore district. About 200 IT women employees were selected randomly for the study. A questionnaire was developed to assess the nutritional status, dietary pattern, stress index and nutritional knowledge of the subjects. The anthropometric, bio-chemical, bio-physical measurements were recorded using standard procedures. Dietary intake was based on 24 hour dietary recall method. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to measure the stress level of the respondents. The impact of nutrition education was also statistically proved. There was no significant difference between their BMI. But there was a significant difference between their haemoglobin levels, blood pressure levels, nutrient intake and impact of nutrition education. This study recommended the assessment of risks and complications that occur due to frequent working in night shifts through awareness programs and supplements in order to stay fit and healthy.