Insight inTo Stress and POOping on work TIME (ITS POO TIME): an online and cross-sectional study protocol (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Long occupational work hours, paid or unpaid overtime, and shift work are a common component of the labor force in high, middle, and lower-income economies globally. Bowel movement frequency and stool form in occupational settings may be important markers of stressful working conditions as well as diurnal gut microbiota action, gastrointestinal discomfort, and disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Characterizing DGBI in shift and non-shift workers could help identify the impact of diurnal work patterns on worker’s physical and mental health, including anxiety related to bowel movements. OBJECTIVE The paper outlines the ITS POO TIME protocol describing a web-based multi-methods research project on DGBI, stool characteristics, psychological factors, sleep, diet and anxiety related to bowel movements in occupational settings. METHODS Study 1 comprises a web-based survey to acquire quantitative data from adults who are engaged in paid employment. We seek to assess occupational characteristics, organizational factors concerning toilets, as well as standardized questionnaires for stool form and frequency, DGBI assessed by Rome-IV criteria, sleep, diet, bowel movement anxiety (i.e. parcopresis), and distress. Study 2 is a qualitative study (Poo Story) which asks open-ended questions about respondents’ attitudes to defecation at work as well as patterns, behaviours, as well as strategies utilized to reduce anxiety or embarrassment. RESULTS The findings of ITS POO TIME will elicit important information on what factors are associated with bowel movements and stool types in occupational settings and identify associations pertinent to occupational health. Data collection commenced in January 2019 and finished enrolment in December 2023. Study 1 obtained 1872 responses, while Study 2 received 337 responses, and the primary results are expected to be published in 2024. CONCLUSIONS The results of the research described in this research protocol will have direct implications for industry, employers, and policy makers concerning DGBI, stress, and worker health. CLINICALTRIAL NA