Integrated Assessment of Night Shift Work and Chemical Exposure in Female Healthcare Workers: A Study Protocol

Night shift work (NSW) is common among healthcare workers (HCW) and can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to metabolic dysregulation, systemic inflammation, and increased breast cancer risk in women. In hospital settings, NSW often co-occurs with exposure to disinfectants and sterilants, creating combined circadian and chemical stress. Female HCW may be particularly vulnerable due to sex-specific endocrine factors and cumulative chemical exposures. This prospective study protocol proposes an integrated occupational health surveillance model comparing night and day shift female HCW. The protocol combines clinical evaluation, molecular biomarker profiling, lifestyle and psychosocial assessment, as well as environmental monitoring of key chemical exposures. Participants will undergo baseline assessment, a 1-month follow-up to monitor adherence to personalized health recommendations, and a 12-month follow-up to evaluate changes in clinical, metabolic, molecular, and lifestyle parameters. The multidimensional approach aims to clarify the interactions between circadian disruption and chemical exposures, identify early biomarkers of risk, and help the development of targeted interventions to improve metabolic health, reduce chemical burden, and support circadian alignment and overall well-being in female HCW.