Association of Chronotype and Shiftwork With COVID-19 Infection

J Occup Environ Med. 2024 Jul 1;66(7):548-555. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003103. Epub 2024 Apr 10.

Abstract

This study assesses whether chronotype is related to COVID-19 infection and whether there is an interaction with shift work. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey of 19,821 U.S. adults. Results: COVID-19 infection occurred in 40% of participants, 32.6% morning and 17.2% evening chronotypes. After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, shift/remote work, sleep duration, and comorbidities, morning chronotype was associated with a higher (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.10-1.21) and evening chronotype with a lower (aOR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.78-0.87) prevalence of COVID-19 infection in comparison to an intermediate chronotype. Working exclusively night shifts was not associated with higher prevalence of COVID-19. Morning chronotype and working some evening shifts was associated with the highest prevalence of previous COVID-19 infection (aOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.28-2.74). Conclusion: Morning chronotype and working a mixture of shifts increase risk of COVID-19 infection.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Chronotype
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Shift Work Schedule* / statistics & numerical data
  • Sleep
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Work Schedule Tolerance / physiology
  • Young Adult