Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
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<jats:title>Background</jats:title>
<jats:p>Long working hours are common in countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). A wide range of epidemiological studies have showed that long working hours had an adverse effect on health but the evidence mostly comes from Western Europe, East Asia and North America. This study aimed to assess the relationship between long working hours and the risk of mortality in employed people in three Eastern European countries.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Methods</jats:title>
<jats:p>Participants, aged 45-69 years at baseline, were from the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial Indicators in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) cohort study conducted in Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic. Baseline survey included a structured questionnaire and examination in the clinic during 2002-2005. Working hours were assessed by a self-reported questionnaire at baseline. Participants have been followed-up for all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality for an average of 11 years. Impact of long working hours on mortality was analysed by Cox proportional hazards regression. In all-cause mortality analysis, a total of 10878 men and women were included, and 10399 participants were included in cause-specific mortality analysis.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Results</jats:title>
<jats:p>During the follow-up, there were 1187 deaths from all causes, 288 from CVD, and 251 from cancer. Those who worked 61 hours or more in a week showed higher risk of mortality compared to those working 36-45 hours per week: HR 1.32 (95%CI 1.01 to 1.74) for all-cause mortality and 1.73 (95% CI 1.03-2.93) for CVD mortality. There was no significant increase in risk of cancer mortality associated with working long hours. There was no significant association between working 46-60 hours a week and risk of mortality, including all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title>
<jats:p>The risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in three CEE was significantly higher among employees working extensive hours. These findings suggest that more attention should be paid to shortening working hours for those who work extensively.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Key messages</jats:title>
<jats:p>Long working hours increase risk of all cause and CVD mortality. Cancer mortality is not related to long working hours.</jats:p>
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