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Health and Shift Work Study (HSWS)

In 2011 the Institute for Health and Social Science Research (IHSSR) developed a new collaborative project called the Health and Shift Work Study (HSWS). The HSWS utilises the expertise of a number of IHSSR researchers, led by Professor Lee Di Milia and consisting of staff from the Centre for Physical Activity Studies, Health and Human Services, gambling and mental health area.  

The project was seen to be particularly relevant and timely in to the Central Queensland (CQ) region given the large increase of shift-working due to the booming resource sector in CQ, along with the many professions that have always used shift-work, like drivers, nurses and the like. With this increase in shift-work there is a need to understand the implications at an individual level so that researchers can develop programs and interventions that will improve health outcomes for shift-workers. The project launched in November 2011 with a regional scoping study targetting 1000 residents in the Rockhampton, Gladstone and Mackay regions. The scoping survey will be pivotal in helping researchers understand more about the physical and psychosocial factors that need to be addressed in order to minimise the negative effects of shift-work. The scoping survey seeks to explore the key issues at a population level, with a view to later expanding the project and developing tailored interventions to address the health and social issues associated with shift-work.

The data collection for the HSWS Scoping Survey is concluded in December 2011, with reports and publications to be prepared in 2012.