Influence of Shift Work on Metabolic Syndrome Parameters Among Banking Sector Employees in Abuja

Extended and irregular working hours in the banking sector have been increasingly linked to disrupted metabolic physiology, with implications for cardiometabolic disease burden among employees. This study assessed the influence of shift work on metabolic syndrome parameters among banking employees in Abuja, North Central Nigeria. One hundred banking staff were recruited, comprising 55 involved in extended shift work exceeding 10 hours daily and 45 regular eight-hour employees. Metabolic syndrome was assessed using the International Diabetes Federation criteria, incorporating waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Physical activity and dietary habits were documented as covariates. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were applied. Results showed a metabolic syndrome prevalence of 36.4 percent among shift workers compared to 17.8 percent among regular-hour employees. Elevated fasting glucose, increased waist circumference, and dyslipidaemia were significantly more prevalent in shift workers. Shift duration and frequency were independently associated with metabolic syndrome risk. Physical activity was significantly lower among shift workers. The study concludes that shift work in the banking sector is a significant driver of metabolic derangement among Abuja-based employees. Corporate wellness policies promoting regular physical activity, dietary support, and workload regulation are strongly advocated. Keywords: shift work, metabolic syndrome, banking employees, cardiometabolic risk, Abuja.