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Publication
O impacto da travessia rápida de fusos horários em variáveis da saúde
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Viajar através de vários fusos horários pode provocar uma dessincronização dos ritmos circadianos e contribuir para uma série de sintomas físicos e psicológicos.
Foi nosso objectivo descrever o impacto da travessia rápida de fusos horários em variáveis da saúde, numa amostra de assistentes de bordo (n=211), Desenvolvemos um instrumento inovador constituído por 3 questionários de auto-resposta. Abordamos questões sociodemográficas, estado e hábitos de saúde, informações sobre o último voo realizado (local e hora de chegada e de partida, dias de folga) e os sintomas associados com o mesmo (questões sobre o sono, cognição, dificuldades sociais, humor, aspetos fisiológicos, jet lag e fadiga).
Os nossos resultados mostram que: i) quanto maior o número de fusos horários atravessados, mais significativos os efeitos a nível da saúde, ii) os voos para oeste estão associados a efeitos negativos em termos ocupacionais, sociais e de saúde dos trabalhadores; iii) os trabalhadores com um tempo de serviço entre 5-10 anos, relatam mais dificuldades ao nível da saúde física e psicológica; iv) níveis mais elevados de consumo de álcool, tabaco e cafeína, associam-se a efeitos negativos na saúde física e psicológica; v) verificámos que problemas de saúde pré-existentes ,associam-se a dificuldades em socialização e a níveis mais elevados de depressão e ansiedade após os voos.
Os nossos resultados demonstram a existência de efeitos negativos na saúde com a travessia de fusos horários. Um estilo de vida saudável pode ajudar a diminuir estes efeitos.
ASTRACT: Travelling across multiple time zones can dissincronize the circadian rhythms and contribute to several physical and psychological symptoms. Our objective for this study is to describe the impact of rapid time zone crossing, on health variables, using a cabin crew sample (n=211). We developed an innovator instrument composed by 3 questionnaires of self-response. We asked socio demographic questions, health condition and habits, information about the last flight operated (place and time of departure and arrival, days off) and the symptoms associated with the flight (questions about sleep, cognitions, social difficulties, mood, physiological aspects, jet lag and fatigue). Our results indicate that: i) the highest the number of time-zone crossings, the more significant effects on health., ii) the west flights are associated with negative effects in workers in terms of occupational, social and health, iii) the cabin crew with service time between 5-10 years have more difficulties in psychological and physical health; iv) highest levels of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine consumption are associated with negative effects on psychological and physical health; v) pre-existent health problems are associated with socialization difficulties and higher levels of depression and anxiety after the flights. Our results demonstrate the existence of negative effects with rapid time zone crossing . A healthy lifestyle can help diminish these effects.
ASTRACT: Travelling across multiple time zones can dissincronize the circadian rhythms and contribute to several physical and psychological symptoms. Our objective for this study is to describe the impact of rapid time zone crossing, on health variables, using a cabin crew sample (n=211). We developed an innovator instrument composed by 3 questionnaires of self-response. We asked socio demographic questions, health condition and habits, information about the last flight operated (place and time of departure and arrival, days off) and the symptoms associated with the flight (questions about sleep, cognitions, social difficulties, mood, physiological aspects, jet lag and fatigue). Our results indicate that: i) the highest the number of time-zone crossings, the more significant effects on health., ii) the west flights are associated with negative effects in workers in terms of occupational, social and health, iii) the cabin crew with service time between 5-10 years have more difficulties in psychological and physical health; iv) highest levels of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine consumption are associated with negative effects on psychological and physical health; v) pre-existent health problems are associated with socialization difficulties and higher levels of depression and anxiety after the flights. Our results demonstrate the existence of negative effects with rapid time zone crossing . A healthy lifestyle can help diminish these effects.
Description
Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada ao ISPA - Instituto Universitário
Keywords
Jet lag Assistente de Bordo Ritmos circadianos Travessia rápida de fusos horários Jet lag Cabin crew Circadian rhythms Time-zone transitions