Relationship between occupational factors and sleep disorders among petrochemical workers on Hainan Island, South China: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The study aimed to examine the relationship between occupational factors and sleep disorders among employees in petrochemical enterprises.

Material and methods: All participants from the employees of Hainan Petroleum Refining and Chemical Enterprises were recruited by the cluster sampling in June 1, 2022. The questionnaire used in this research was primarily composed of 3 sections: demographic characteristics, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and occupation-related factors affecting sleep disorders. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to balance the demographic characteristics of the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to analyze the independent factors influencing sleep disorders.

Results: A total of 952 valid questionnaires were collected. The frequency of sleep disorders among the 952 participants was 41.9% (N = 399). After PSM, 356 pairs were successfully matched. There was no statistical difference in socio-demographic characteristics between sleep disorder groups (p > 0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that employees with weekly working time >40 h exhibited a higher likelihood of sleep disorders (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.09-2.82) than those working ≤40 h. Individuals exposed to high-temperature working environments were more likely to experience sleep disorders (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.12-2.81), while the sleep disorder risk in those with occupational stress was 2.67-fold (OR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.89-3.80). Employees in storage and transportation (OR: 3.34, 95% CI: 1.81-6.40) and other positions (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.03-2.75) displayed a higher risk of sleep disorders than operational workers.

Conclusions: The frequency of sleep disorders among employees in petrochemical enterprises is high. Weekly working hours, type of work position, high-temperature exposure, and high occupational stress are associated with increased risk of sleep disorders among petrochemical workers. Health policymakers should fully consider these factors in improving the sleep quality of petrochemical workers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(6):591-601.