Has going about your business at your place of business become a pain in the gut? New research is trying to get to the bottom of why you have to do a number two at work.
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Researchers from the University of Adelaide, the University of New England (UNE) and Deakin University are looking for volunteers to help them identify which factor is number one when going number two at work.
UNE psychologist, Dr Suzie Cosh, said the aim of the study is to find out if there is an association between certain occupations and the incidence of gastrointestinal disease.
"Certain gastrointestinal disorders are more widespread in people who do shift work, for example, but how it unfolds is still quite poorly understood," said Dr Cosh.
"Our study wants to better understand the effects of the workplace and working conditions on people's gut health.
"We hope to learn more about possible associations by investigating work settings, sleep, bowel movements and gastrointestinal symptoms," said Dr Cosh.
Lead researcher from the University of Adelaide, Dr Phillip Tully, said the research team has had excellent response to their survey thus far and 'is on a roll'.
"We are looking for more super pooper volunteers to help explore the significance of sleep cycles and gut rhythms. This is the first study on this topic and data may help us identify ergonomic changes that will mitigate the risk of gastrointestinal disorders in the workplace," said Dr Tully .
Taking part in the Its poo time study is open to all persons over 18, employed in any kind of job, and with internet access.
Participants will be asked to answer questions anonymously about their occupation, salary, working hours, bowel habits at work and at home, symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, diet, sleep, stress, and medical history as well identify stools from a stool identification chart.
Gastrointestinal disorders include, amongst others, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, constipation, heartburn and cancer.
Learn more about the research by following https://www.facebook.com/itspootime/ or access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/itspootimesurvey.
