J Korean Acad Nurs Adm.  2022 Dec;28(5):596-604. 10.11111/jkana.2022.28.5.596.

Changes in Dietary Behavior of Shift Work Nurses: A Longitudinal Study

• Kim S
• Choi-Kwon S
• Ki J
• Ryu JG
• Baek J
• Kim K

• KMID: 2538924
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2022.28.5.596

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to identify the changes in dietary behavior of shift work nurses and its influencing factors over time.
Methods
This was a secondary data analysis study based on the Shift Work Nurses’ Health and Turnover study. Data of 165 shift work nurses, who were followed for three-time points [before shift work (T0), after 6 months (T1), and after 18 months(T2) of shift work], were analyzed. Dietary behavior, level of stress, fatigue, depressive symptoms, and the amount of physical activity were measured. SPSS 28.0 was used to analyze the data to acquire descriptive statistics, repeated-measures ANOVA, and multiple linear regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE).
Results
Dietary behavior of shift work nurses was poorer at T1 and T2 as compared to T0. As a result of GEE, shift work duration, level of stress, fatigue, and depressive symptoms were found to have negative impacts on dietary behavior.
Conclusion
Dietary behavior deteriorated and remained poor over time since shift work began. Shift work, along with stress, fatigue, and depressive symptoms, were the factors influencing their dietary behavior. Thus, to improve shift work nurses’ dietary behavior, efforts to decrease stress, and alleviate fatigue and depressive symptoms are urgently required.

Keyword

Nurses; Shift work schedule; Feeding behavior; Diet