Nurses, age, job demands and physical activity at work and at leisure: A cross-sectional study

Analysis of multi-level barriers to physical activity among nursing students using regularized regression

Physical inactivity is a growing societal concern with significant impact on public health. Identifying barriers to engaging in physical activity (PA) is a critical step to recognize populations who disproportionately experience these barriers. Understanding barriers to PA holds significant importance within patient-facing healthcare professions like nursing. While determinants of PA have been widely studied, connecting individual and social factors to barriers to PA remains an understudied area among nurses. The objectives of this study are to categorize and model factors related to barriers to PA using the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Framework. The study population includes nursing students at the study institution (N = 163). Methods include a scoring system to quantify the barriers to PA, and regularized regression models that predict this score. Key findings identify intrinsic motivation, social and emotional support, education, and the use of health technologies for tracking and decision-making purposes as significant predictors. Results can help identify future nursing workforce populations at risk of experiencing barriers to PA. Encouraging the development and employment of health-informatics solutions for monitoring, data sharing, and communication is critical to prevent barriers to PA before they become a powerful hindrance to engaging in PA.

Does the gender of nurses matter to patients? A qualitative analysis of gender preferences of patients

Background

This study argues that the gender of a nurse could give patients the emotional and psychological support they need in their healing process. Nonetheless, in many developing countries, these intricate preferences of patients are usually ignored due to poor staffing and logistical capacities of health facilities. As a contribution to this professional and operation gap, this paper explores patients' preference for nurses' gender in health care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The paper further explores the importance of these preferences to the delivery of patient-centred care in Ghana and across Africa.

Objective

The paper has two specific objectives: (a) to explore patients' preferences for the gender of nurses who attend to them while on admission; and (b) to find out the range of factors that inform these preferences.

Methods

Qualitative exploratory descriptive design was used to select adult patients who were not seriously ill and nursed by male and female nurses at the medical and surgical wards of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana for at least 5 days from January to March 2017 and before their discharge. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured interview guide was used to elicit information from 14 participants after seeking their written informed consent. The data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Two major themes emerged. These were: the Preferred Gender of a Nurse in Nursing Care and the Reasons for the Preference or no Preference for Nurses' Gender in Nursing Care. Under each of these themes, the associated aspects were also discussed. Patients had varying preference for a particular nurse during care but gender was not particularly significant in patients' preference for nurses. Majority of the participants emphasized their preference for nurses with professional expertise and good virtues to determine a preferred nurse and both genders of nurses can possess these qualities. However, nurses of the same gender as the patient were preferred for intimate procedures to ensure privacy and satisfaction.

Conclusion

The gender of a nurse is not on top of the preferences list of patients in the study context. This may be attributed to the long-term practice that the participants have not had the chance to be choosing a preferred nurse's gender, so most patients are tolerant and familiar with both male and female nurses. Instead, patients' preferences are determined by the performance and quality of service provided by nurses. Age, maturity and social connections were also found to influence patients' preferences.

Relationship between occupational and leisure-time physical activity and the need for recovery after work

BACKGROUND

Health benefits of physical activity are very well acknowledged but the role of both occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in recovery after work is not thoroughly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between accelerometer-measured OPA and LTPA and the need for recovery after work (NFR) in early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals.

METHODS

The study participants were 217 female ECEC professionals aged 17-64. Physical activity was recorded with a three-axis accelerometer (ActiGraph GT9X Link, ActiGraph, USA) for seven consecutive days. Separate analyses were conducted for both OPA and LTPA and reported as hours/day based on different intensity levels (light, moderate, vigorous, very vigorous). The NFR was measured with the Need For Recovery (NFR) scale (0%-100%).

RESULTS

Participants' average physical activity for both OPA and LTPA was about 4 h/day, and the mean NFR score was 38.4%. OPA was significantly associated with the NFR but not with LTPA. The relationship remained significant after adjustments for age, body mass index, work ability, mental health status, and sleep difficulties (p < 0.024).

CONCLUSION

According to this study, the OPA level is related to the level of the NFR in female ECEC professionals. Based on the results, it seems that LTPA has no relevance to the NFR. Results suggest that long-lasting OPA, even without strenuous physical activity at work, may predispose individuals to a high NFR.

Leisure-time physical activity, occupational physical activity and the physical activity paradox in healthcare workers: A systematic overview of the literature

BACKGROUND

Physical activity positively influences cardiovascular health. Results from male-dominated physically active occupations suggest that a high level of occupational physical activity may be detrimental to cardiovascular health. This observation is referred to as the physical activity paradox. Whether this phenomenon can also be observed in female-dominated occupations remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to provide an overview of (1) leisure-time and occupational physical activity in healthcare workers. Therefore, we reviewed studies (2) to assess the relationship between the two physical activity domains and analyzed (3) their effects on cardiovascular health outcomes in relation to the paradox.

METHODS

Five databases (CINAHAL, PubMed, Scopus, Sportdiscus, Web of Science) were systematically searched. Both authors independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts and assessed the quality of the studies using the National Institutes of Health's quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. All studies that assessed leisure-time and occupational physical activity in healthcare workers were included. The two authors independently rated the risk of bias using the ROBINS-E tool. The body of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

The review included 17 studies that assessed the leisure-time and occupational physical activity of people working in healthcare, determined the relationship between the domains (n = 7) and/or examined their effects on the cardiovascular system (n = 5). Measurements for leisure-time and occupational physical activity varied between studies. Leisure-time physical activity typically ranged between low and high intensity, with a short duration (approx. 0.8-1.5 h). Occupational physical activity was typically performed at light to moderate intensity with a very long duration (approx. 0.5-3 h). Moreover, leisure-time and occupational physical activity were almost negatively related. The few studies investigating effects on cardiovascular parameters revealed a rather unfavorable effect of occupational physical activity, while leisure-time physical activity was beneficial. The study quality was rated as fair and the risk of bias was moderate to high. The body of evidence was low.

CONCLUSIONS

This review confirmed that leisure-time and occupational physical activity of healthcare workers are opposed in their duration and intensity. Moreover, leisure-time and occupational physical activity seem to be negatively related and should be analyzed according to their relation to each other in specific occupations. Furthermore, results support the relationship between the paradox and cardiovascular parameters.

REGISTRATION

Preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD42021254572). Date of registration on PROSPERO: 19 May 2021.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Does occupational physical activity adversely affect the cardiovascular health of healthcare workers in comparison to leisure-time physical activity?

Psychosocial factors and physical activity among workers in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Complex behaviors, such as physical activity (PA), may be related to different levels of influence.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the role of social support, mood and alcohol consumption as psychosocial predictors on the engagement in PA among Brazilian workers.

METHODS

This is a quantitative, cross-sectional analytical study. A sample of 395 participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Social Support Scale for Physical Activities (SSSPA) and the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS).

RESULTS

Analysis via Pearson's Correlation Test indicated a negative correlation between PA and depression and fatigue, and a positive correlation between PA and alcohol consumption, vigor and the four variables of social support (support of family members for walking; support of friends for walking; support of family members for moderate and vigorous physical activity; support of friends for moderate and vigorous physical activity). A positive relationship between PA and low-risk alcohol consumption was also identified. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that family support for walking, friends support for moderate and vigorous physical activity, vigor and alcohol consumption are predictors of PA. Hayes' moderation analysis indicated that social support has a moderating effect on the relationship between alcohol use and PA.

CONCLUSION

Different factors may be involved in engaging in PA. A broader approach that addresses the singularities of individuals, especially in actions for different patterns of alcohol consumption, is recommended.

Nurses' steps, distance traveled, and perceived physical demands in a three-shift schedule

BACKGROUND

The physical job demands of hospital nurses are known to be very high. Although many studies have measured the physical activities of nurses subjectively using questionnaires, it remains necessary to quantify and measure nurses' physical activity at work using objective indicators. This study was conducted to address this gap in the literature by analyzing nurses' physical activity using both objective measurements and subjective perceptions. The number of steps, distance traveled, and actual work hours were measured during work, and the influence of related factors was analyzed.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, survey and activity tracking data were collected from nurses who worked in three shifts in two tertiary hospitals located in the capital region of South Korea. The participants comprised 117 nurses working in four different units (medical ward, surgical ward, intensive care unit, emergency room), and data from 351 shifts were used in the final analysis. Between-group differences in the main variables were analyzed using the t-test, the Mann-Whitney test, analysis of variance, or the Kruskal-Wallis test, as appropriate. The relationships were examined through multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The average number of steps and distance traveled were greatest for nurses working in the emergency room, followed by the intensive care unit, surgical ward, and medical ward (in descending order). Younger nurses and those with shorter unit experience tended to have the greatest number of steps and distance traveled.

CONCLUSION

Using activity trackers, this study derived physical activity measures such as number of steps and distance traveled, enabling an objective examination of physical activity during shifts. Nurses' level of physical activity differed depending on the type of nursing unit, nurses' age, and unit experience. These results suggest the need for support programs that are specific to the job demands of specific nursing units.

Dying to retire or living to work: Challenges facing aging nurses

ABSTRACT

Nurses who work in high-stress positions may be at risk for health problems that may result in early retirement. This article identifies health risks to aging nurses who continue to work in clinical settings and suggests methods for reducing negative health impacts to prevent them from retiring prematurely.

An exploration of New Zealand mental health nurses' personal physical activities

This study assessed the physical activities of Mental Health Nurses (MHN) in New Zealand against the 2018 World Health Organization recommended minimum levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The research design was exploratory and descriptive as there were no previous studies about physical activity levels of MHNs in New Zealand. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ, Long Version) which included options for free-text responses. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 266 participants returned the survey, a response rate of 4%, and a limitation of the study. More than 50% of MHNs reported <150 min of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week for each of the four physical activity domains. When individual physical activity domains were combined, only 10% spent <150 min on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Work-related physical activities were higher for those working in the inpatient area than in community settings. Transport-related physical activities were higher for those working in community settings. Participants registered from 6 to 20 years had more time sitting than other groups. Nurses aged 55 years and above showed the highest total physical activity levels. Moreover, healthcare organizations and nurse leaders need to promote physical activity and provide wellness intervention for their staff. Nurses who are physically active may be more effective in supporting their patients to increase their physical activity.

A cluster analysis of physical activity profiles and resilience in intensive care nurses

Purpose

Limited evidence exists regarding a group of nurses' physical activity patterns and association with resilience. Less is known about the physical activity health paradox in nurses (the positive health effects of leisure time physical activity vs the negative health effects of occupational physical activity). This study aimed to explore the profiles of intensive care nurses' physical activity behaviours and associations with resilience, following a developed study-specific job demands–recovery framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted with intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to explore their physical activity profiles and associations with resilience. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25 (CD-RISC 25) was used to assess resilience, and accelerometry was utilised to record participants' four-day activity (two workdays, two non-workdays). Hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to define groups of nurses by activity behaviours.

Findings

Participants (N = 93) were classified as low actives (n = 19), standers (n = 36), sitters (n = 31) and movers (n = 7). During two 12-h shifts, movers had the highest mean level of dynamic standing and the lowest mean level of sitting. During two non-workdays, movers had the highest mean level of walking as well as the lowest mean level of sitting and sleep time.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this study was that it analysed ICU nurses' physical activity profiles and associations with resilience using identified clusters. However, the small number of participants limited this study's ability to determine significant relationships between resilience and the grouped physical activity profiles.

Characteristics of Work and Employment Related to Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Results of the National Health Survey, Brazil, 2013

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is a crucial behavior to reduce the global burden of disease. The objective of this study was to understand the relationship between LTPA, employment status, and physical workload (PWL). This study analyzed data from 38 449 individuals interviewed in the National Health Survey (NHS), representative of the Brazilian population. This paper examines LTPA in the last 30 days and whether participants achieved the recommended physical activity (≥150 min week-1) according to employment status and PWL utilizing Poisson regression models. One third and ¼ of the participants reported LTPA in the last 30 days and achieved the recommended LTPA, respectively. Intense PWL was reported by 28.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 27.8-29.6%] of participants; 32.2% among men (95% CI: 31.0-33.5%); 24.3% among women (95% CI: 23.1-25.5%). Precarious employment was associated with a lower prevalence of physical activity among men [adjusted prevalence ratio (PRa) = 0.92; P = 0.016], but not among women (PRa = 1.11; P = 0.039). Employment policies and protection of the work environment are relevant aspects to stimulate physical activity, and may vary by gender.

The Health Behaviour of German Outpatient Caregivers in Relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected outpatient caregivers in a particular way. While the German population becomes increasingly older, the number of people in need of care has also increased. The health and, thus, the health behaviour of employees in the outpatient care become relevant to maintain working capacity and performance in the long term. The aims of the study were (1) to examine the health behaviour and (2) to explore pandemic-related perceived change of health behaviour among outpatient caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a mixed-methods study, 15 problem-centred interviews and a web-based cross-sectional survey (N = 171) were conducted with outpatient caregivers working in Northern Germany. Interviewees reported partially poorer eating behaviour, higher coffee consumption, lower physical activity, skipping breaks more often and less sleep duration and quality during the pandemic. Some quantitative findings indicate the same tendencies. A majority of participants were smokers and reported higher stress perception due to the pandemic. Preventive behaviour, such as wearing PPE or hand hygiene, was increased among interviewees compared to the pre-pandemic period. Our findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic could negatively affect outpatient caregivers' health behaviour, e.g., eating/drinking behaviour and physical activity. Therefore, employers in outpatient care should develop workplace health promotion measures to support their employees in conducting more health-promoting behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burnout among nurses: a multicentric comparative study

OBJETIVO

to identify and compare burnout levels between Portuguese, Spanish and Brazilian nurses.

METHOD

quantitative, descriptive, correlational, comparative and cross-sectional study conducted using a sample of 1,052 nurses working in hospitals and primary care centers. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory were applied to nurses in Porto, Portugal (n=306), Oviedo, Spain (n=269) and S. Paulo, Brazil (n=477). Data analysis was performed using descriptive, inferential and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

approximately 42% of the nurses showed moderate/high levels of burnout, with no differences found between countries (Portugal and Brazil 42%, Spain 43%). Only depersonalization showed differences between countries, presenting Spain the highest level and Portugal the lowest one. Comparative analysis showed higher burnout levels in young nurses and those working by shifts. Considering job schedules, burnout was associated to shift work in Portugal, while in Spain and Brazil it was associated with fixed schedules.

CONCLUSION

these results suggest that this syndrome among nurses is a global phenomenon. The daily stressors and higher demands of the nursing profession are crucial in the preparation of nurses to deal with complex situations, to avoid burnout, and to reduce the negative impact on nurses' health and on the quality of care they provide.

Life satisfaction, life quality, and leisure satisfaction in health professionals

PURPOSE

This study was aimed to determine the relationships between life satisfaction, life quality, and leisure satisfaction in health professionals.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was conducted with 498 health professionals working in a city of the Central Anatolia Region, Turkey. Data were collected using Socio-Demographic Form, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Short Form of World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Leisure Satisfaction Scale.

FINDINGS

There was a positive significant relationship between life satisfaction, life quality, and leisure satisfaction. As the level of leisure satisfaction of health professionals increases, the life satisfaction, and life quality also increase.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Rise in the level of leisure satisfaction is important to increase life satisfaction and improve life quality of health professionals. Therefore, leisure patterns and behaviors that increase leisure satisfaction should be integrated into daily lives of these professionals.

Psychosocial factors in nursing work and occupational risks: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

to identify, in international scientific production, the main psychosocial factors in nursing work, found through the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) application.

METHODS

a systematic review study of psychosocial factors at work among nursing professionals, who used COPSOQ in the assessment of work environments.

RESULTS

fifteen articles were identified, which highlighted as main psychosocial dimensions of nursing work demands, work organization, social relationships and leadership, work-home interface, workplace health and well-being and offensive behaviors.

CONCLUSION

the high demands for cognitive, emotional work and work pace were identified in the nursing routine. Management support had a positive impact. Physical and psychological violence and shift work interfere in family life, aggravating the fatigue of these professionals. Interventions for reducing work stress presuppose the identification of psychosocial factors involved in nursing work.

The accumulation of, and associations between, nurses' activity levels within their shift in the emergency department

The aim of this study was to examine emergency nurses' activity levels and associations between hourly activity levels within-shifts. Fifty emergency nurses (45 females, 5 males) wore ActiGraph accelerometers and completed work diaries for up to 4 weeks. A sub-group (n = 42) also wore activPALs. Multilevel analyses examined temporal associations between hourly periods. In any hourly period, increased time spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) was associated with less time spent in MVPA in the following hourly period. In any afternoon hourly period, increased time spent in MVPA was associated with more time spent in light-intensity physical activity in the following hourly period. No other associations were significant. Emergency nurses maintain activity levels within-shifts, except when more time spent in MVPA was associated with less time spent in MVPA in the following hour; a potential recovery strategy. Future research should determine how emergency nurses maintain their activity levels within-shifts. Practitioner Summary: Emergency nursing is physically demanding; however, it is unknown how active they are during hourly periods within-shifts. Emergency nurses' activity levels were maintained within hourly periods of a shift. Except for an increase in MVPA in 1 h was associated with a decrease in MVPA in the following hour. Abbreviations: CPR: cardiopulmonary resusitation; LPA: light-intensity physical activity; MPA: moderate-intenisty physical activity; MVPA: moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity; SED: sedentary.

Bidirectional associations between emergency nurses' occupational and leisure physical activity: An observational study

Emergency nursing is a physically demanding occupation yet research suggests they do not meet current physical activity guidelines. Current interventions have had limited effectiveness increasing nurses' physical activity, possibly due to a failure to acknowledge physical activity in another domain (e.g., occupational). This study aimed to determine the bidirectional associations between emergency nurses' occupational and leisure time activity levels on work days. Data from 49 emergency nurses (44 females and five males) wearing an ActiGraph accelerometer and completing work and sleep diaries for up to four weeks were analysed. An activPAL inclinometer was simultaneously worn by 41 nurses. Time spent in different activity levels and postural positions during work and leisure time were determined. Multi-level analyses examined bidirectional associations between emergency nurses' activity levels at work and during their leisure time. Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity prior to a morning shift was associated with more sedentary time and less physical activity at work. Conversely, occupational stepping time was associated with more sitting, standing and stepping time after each shift. These findings provide critical insights into how and when researchers should intervene to facilitate adequate recovery for nurses' post-shift and balance competing demands on their leisure time.

Describing objectively measured intensive care nurses' physical work activity behavioural patterns during a 12-hr shift

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

To describe intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' physical work activity behavioural patterns over 12 hr using dual accelerometry, following a job demands-recovery framework.

BACKGROUND

Limited studies utilised accelerometry to objectively analyse nurses' physical workloads. Little is known about intensive care nurses' physical activity patterns during a 12-hr shift.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted with intensive care nurses from four units in Auckland, New Zealand.

METHODS

Each participant wore two Axivity AX3 accelerometers to measure physical activity during a 12-hr day or night shift. An online survey captured participants' demographic information. R software (version 3.6.1) and SPSS version 26 were utilised for data analysis. The STROBE was followed.

RESULTS

A total of 102 nurses were included in this study. A high level of light intensity activity behaviours (standing, dynamic standing, walking) was observed throughout the day shifts, with no higher intensity behaviours identified. Activity levels were highest at the beginning of shifts and followed a consistent pattern, with an additional peak around midday for day shifts and at the end of the shift for night shifts. Observable differences were seen between day and night shifts with a greater prevalence of sitting and lying during night shifts. Standing, dynamic standing, sitting, lying and walking were significant factors in the differences of the physical work behaviours between the day shift nurses and the night shift nurses. Significant differences in dynamic standing and lying were found between ICUs.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensive care nurses' physical work activity involved a large amount of standing and dynamic standing during a 12-hr shift. The overall physical workload during a 12-hr day shift was significantly higher than that during a 12-hr night shift.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Results may help managers attain a better understanding of nurses' physical workloads during a 12-hr shift.

Physical activity and personal factors associated with nurse resilience in intensive care units

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

To assess intensive care nurses' resilience and identify associated personal factors and physical activity behaviours using a job demands-recovery framework.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is inconsistent evidence as to whether nurse resilience is associated with personal factors or with physical activity at work or during leisure time.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted with nurses from four intensive care units in Auckland, New Zealand.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted to collect nurses' personal information and assess their resilience levels using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25. Participants were nurses working at least 32 hr fortnightly and providing direct patient care. Physical activity was objectively measured using a pair of accelerometers worn on the back and thigh over four consecutive days (two workdays followed by two nonworkdays). Bivariable and multivariable regression were used to identify personal factors and physical activity behaviours associated with resilience (followed the STROBE checklist).

RESULTS

A total of 93 nurses were included in the study. The participants' average resilience level was low. Resilience was positively associated with the objectively measured physical job demands factors: occupational physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at work and dynamic standing at work. Resilience was negatively associated with one objectively measured recovery factor: sleep during leisure time. In multivariable modelling, being married and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at work were positively associated with resilience, while not having religious beliefs and sleep during leisure time were negatively associated with resilience.

CONCLUSIONS

Resilient nurses have a greater tolerance to high physical activity at work and lower sleep duration during leisure time. Strategies are needed to improve intensive care nurses' resilience levels.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Results may help managers gain a better understanding of the ICU nurses' characteristics associated with resilience, leading them to develop strategies for improving ICU nurse resilience.

Analyzing the Job Demands-Control-Support Model in Work-Life Balance: A Study among Nurses in the European Context

The balance of personal life with professional life is a topical issue that is increasingly worrisome due to globalization, the rapid introduction of new technologies into all areas of human life, the overlap between time between work and family, new organizational systems, and changes in the nature of work. This problem is accentuated by professions subjected to intense labor demands, as is the case of nurses. Adopting the Job Demand–Control–Support model, the main purpose of this research is to analyze how these factors lead to a greater or lesser degree of work–life balance. The research proposes a logistic regression model, which was constructed with a sample of 991 nursing professionals from the V European Working Conditions Survey. The results obtained confirm, on the one hand, that there is a significant effect of physical demands (but not psychological demands) on work–life balance. On the other hand, the moderating effects of job control are partially confirmed for psychological demands, and those of supervisor support (but not co-worker support) are partially confirmed for physical demands. In conclusion, the present research shows that effective management of nurses’ work context can decisively contribute to finding the difficult balance between personal and professional time.

Nurses and health-promoting self-care: Do we practice what we preach?

AIMS

To examine the health-promoting behaviours performed by registered nurses (RNs), as well as workplace factors that influence participation in those behaviours.

BACKGROUND

Nurses have high levels of overweight/obesity and may not be engaging in health-promoting self-care.

METHODS

A cross-sectional Web-based survey collected information from 335 RNs regarding their physical activity, sedentariness and fruit/vegetable consumption.

RESULTS

More than half were overweight (34.1%) or obese (23.4%), and 80.1% were "sedentary" (≥3 hr sitting/day), particularly those working outside of direct patient care in management, research and education. Only 47.2% consumed 5+ servings of fruits/vegetables daily. Nurses who enjoyed their jobs (higher levels of compassion satisfaction) reported higher levels of physical activity (p = 0.03) and fruit/vegetable consumption (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

RNs who work outside of direct patient care might be at increased risk for sedentariness and obesity. RNs who enjoy their jobs may experience less stress and have more energy to exercise and to prepare/consume healthy meals.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Nurse managers should practice self-care by engaging in exercise, proper nutrition and demonstrating work-life balance, both to protect their own health and to serve as role models for RNs in direct patient care.