Lifestyle Health Behaviors of Nurses and Midwives: The 'Fit for the Future' Study

Prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among nursing staff in a low and middle-income country: A cross-sectional digital survey-based study

AIM

To assess the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among the nursing staff and educate them on prevention.

BACKGROUND

Nursing staff is integral to the Indian community healthcare systems. Recent studies report a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Indian nursing staff. Therefore, data on the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among nursing staff are crucial for education on prevention.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional digital survey-based study.

METHOD

We invited 4435 nursing staff to attend our online survey. We used a customized questionnaire for data collection, including a digitized version of the Community-Based Assessment Checklist form. A score of >4 was considered high risk and warranted screening.

RESULT

Among 682 nursing staff who attended, 70% had never undergone screening for non-communicable diseases. The prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors was significantly higher in male nursing staff. In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that age, tobacco and alcohol use, increased waist circumference, physical inactivity and family history of non-communicable diseases were significant risk factors among nursing staff.

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggest that the nursing staff have suboptimal self-health concerns on non-communicable diseases. This situation warrants continued medical education, awareness campaigns on adopting a healthy lifestyle and health promotion.

Impact of Consumption of Specific Food Groups on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disorders among Nurses: Framingham's Multifactorial Predictive Model

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the consumption of selected food products and the risk of prevalence of selected metabolic and cardiovascular disorders among nurses. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 nurses. To achieve the study objective, body composition analysis (Tanita MC-980), blood pressure measurement (Welch Allyn 4200B), anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (CardioChek PA), and surveys regarding the consumption of specific food groups were conducted. Results: More than half of the respondents were overweight or/and obese, and almost 40% had elevated blood pressure levels. The results obtained from logistic regression models indicated that the consumption of specific food product groups may predispose to/increase the risk of hypertension, abdominal obesity, overweight, obesity, body fat accumulation, and the risk of cardiovascular events. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of targeted nutritional strategies to enhance the health and professional efficacy of nursing staff, paving the way for improved healthcare practices.

Blood Pressure Trends, Demographic Data, Workload, and Lifestyle Factors Among Nurses in the Subcarpathian Region of Poland: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

BACKGROUND Hypertension is one of the main modifiable risk factors linked to cardiovascular disease and its prevalence is currently increasing in various age groups. This study aimed to evaluate blood pressure, demographic data, workload, and lifestyle factors in nurses employed in hospitals in the Subcarpathian region of southeastern Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 627 professionally active nurses. Certified devices were used for measurements: body mass analyzer (Tanita MC-980 PLUS MA), automated sphygmomanometer (Welch Allyn 4200B), stadiometer (Seca 213), and tape measure (Seca 201). The frequency of consumption of specific product groups was assessed using a survey method. Analysis using R software (version 4.3.1) employed logistic regression to examine variables affecting hypertension occurrence. RESULTS The study found that elevated blood pressure is more prevalent among nurses than they self-report. Logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors for hypertension, including age (odds ratio; OR=1.061; OR=1.045), working more than 1 job (OR=1.579; OR=1.864), and body mass index (OR=1.152; OR=1.113). CONCLUSIONS Regular monitoring of blood pressure is necessary for early detection and timely intervention of hypertension. Enhancing nurses' awareness of their own health will encourage proactive preventive measures. Implementing comprehensive education programs focused on the latest advances in cardiovascular disease prevention is essential.

Implementation and Impact of Health Care Gardens: A Systematic Scoping Review

Background: In community and school settings, gardens and garden interventions have been shown to confer several psychosocial, physiological, and nutritional benefits. However, little is known about the implementation and impact of health care gardens on patients, visitors, and staff health and well-being. The primary aim of this review is to identify and describe the types of gardens and common design elements implemented in health care settings and the impact these gardens have on the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff. A secondary aim is to assess the quality of available evidence. Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were systematically searched on October 28, 2022. Primary qualitative and quantitative studies (excluding case reports and studies) were eligible for inclusion if they described the types of gardens and common design elements implemented in health care settings (hospitals, aged care, rehabilitation facilities, and medical centers) and/or assessed the impact of garden interventions on the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff. Review, selection, and data extraction were conducted by two independent researchers, with findings synthesized and presented in narrative form. Articles were critically appraised using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT). Results: Eighteen articles were included. Eight studies provided detailed descriptions of the types of gardens implemented in health care settings (healing [n = 3], therapeutic [n = 2], sensory [n = 2], children's fairy gardens [n = 1], and enriched [n = 1] gardens). Studies examining the psychosocial impacts of gardens were most frequently reported (n = 16), followed by physical (n = 4) and nutritional (n = 2). A wide range of positive outcomes, predominantly relating to patients (n = 12), were reported, including improvements in stress, quality of life (QOL), cognitive function, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable intake. The evidence was heterogeneous and low-medium quality. Conclusions: The findings suggest that implementing gardens and garden interventions in health care settings may positively impact the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff. Most studies related to the impact of gardens on patients' mental health and QOL, indicating the need for further research to explore physical and nutritional outcomes, as well as health outcomes of staff and visitors. Findings also suggest the need for high-quality study designs (e.g., cluster control trials) and standardized measurement tools.

Assessment of workhour feeding practices, healthy behaviour score and body mass index of physicians in Northern Nigeria: a cross-sectional multi-centre study

Background

The increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight among health workers calls for an appraisal of their lifestyle. This study assessed medical practitioners' workhour feeding and lifestyle practices and explored the relationship between these practices and their body mass index (BMI).

Methods

The survey involved 321 medical practitioners selected from 9 northern Nigeria hospitals in 2021. Data collected included biodata, medication history, workhour feeding characteristics, lifestyle behaviours, blood pressure, height, and weight measurements. Data were analyzed using Epi info software (version 7).

Results

Most respondents were male (70.7%). Their mean age was 38 ± 7.4 years. During their last workhours, 84.1% had lunch, and 46.4% took sugary drinks. Usually, 41.7% source their lunch from the hospital canteen, and 18.7% patronize their canteen at least weekly. Most reported healthy behaviour towards alcohol consumption (99.7%), fruit and vegetable consumption (54.8%) and smoking (98.4%). However, only 22.4% were physically active. Their mean healthy behaviour score and BMI were 2.8 ± 0.7 and 26.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2, respectively. The obesity and overweight rates were 18.4% and 37.7%, respectively. Their source of lunch during workhours, age, sex, years of practice, employment duration, marital status, job category, systolic blood pressure, anti-hypertensive, and antidiabetic medication use were significantly associated with mean BMI. However, only antihypertensive medication use, being married, inadequate fruit/vegetable consumption and workhour sugary drinks consumption predicted obesity. The predictors of overweight/obese were years of practice (< 10 y) and use of antihypertensive medications.

Conclusions

Obesity and overweight rates were high. Most were physically inactive. Workhour sugary drink consumption predicted obesity. Effective workplace and community interventions to improve practitioners' lifestyle behaviour and curtail obesity and overweight are needed.

Using data visualization to characterize whole-person health of public health nurses

OBJECTIVE

To characterize patterns in whole-person health of public health nurses (PHNs).

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

Survey of a convenience sample of PHNs (n = 132) in 2022. PHNs self-identified as female (96.2%), white (86.4%), between the ages 25-44 (54.5%) and 45-64 (40.2%), had bachelor's degrees (65.9%) and incomes of $50-75,000 (30.3%) and $75-100,000/year (29.5%).

MEASUREMENTS

Simplified Omaha System Terms (SOST) within the MyStrengths+MyHealth assessment of whole-person health (strengths, challenges, and needs) across Environmental, Psychosocial, Physiological, and Health-related Behaviors domains.

RESULTS

PHNs had more strengths than challenges; and more challenges than needs. Four patterns were discovered: (1) inverse relationship between strengths and challenges/needs; (2) Many strengths; (3) High needs in Income; (4) Fewest strengths in Sleeping, Emotions, Nutrition, and Exercise. PHNs with Income as a strength (n = 79) had more strengths (t = 5.570, p < .001); fewer challenges (t = -5.270, p < .001) and needs (t = -3.659, p < .001) compared to others (n = 53).

CONCLUSIONS

PHNs had many strengths compared to previous research with other samples, despite concerning patterns of challenges and needs. Most PHN whole-person health patterns aligned with previous literature. Further research is needed to validate and extend these findings toward improving PHN health.

Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Positive Health Behaviours Scale for clinical nurses: a cross-sectional translation

BACKGROUND

Occupational health is essential for nurses in clinical nursing practice. However, there is no specific tool for measuring the health behaviour of clinical nurses in China. This study aimed to translate the Positive Health Behaviours Scale into Chinese and validate its psychometric properties among clinical nurses.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design with repeated measures.

METHODS

A total of 633 clinical nurses were recruited by convenience sampling from hospitals in Liaoning Province, China. After obtaining the authorization of the original author, the PHBS was translated into Chinese by the Brislin back-translation method. Item analysis was completed to evaluate item discrimination, and the Delphi method was adopted to analyse content validity. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to explore and validate the underlying factor structure. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were calculated to evaluate reliability.

RESULTS

A total of 29 items were retained in the item analysis, and the content validity index of the translated scale was 0.956. In the EFA, four common factors were extracted (nutrition, physical activity, relaxation and behaviours related to mental health and preventive behaviours), explaining 60.81% of the total variance. The results of the CFA were as follows: χ2/df = 1.363, GFI = 0.902, NFI = 0.909, IFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.971, CFI = 0.974, RMSEA = 0.034, and RMR = 0.023. The results of the EFA and CFA showed that the translated scale had good structural validity. Cronbach's α coefficient, the split-half reliability and the test-retest reliability of the Chinese version of the PHBS were 0.928, 0.953 and 0.891, respectively. At the same time, the translated scale had good reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese version of the PHBS for clinical nurses had good psychometric properties. The results of the questionnaire survey effectively and comprehensively reflect the level of health behaviours in clinical nurses, which provides a scientific reference for determining the intervention target.

Smoking behavior and hypertension among health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study in Java and Bali-Indonesia

Background

Health workers who should be role models for the community not to smoke and live a healthy life are still consuming cigarettes. Java and Bali (especially Java) are the biggest contributors to health worker deaths due to COVID-19 in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the association of smoking behavior and hypertension among health workers in Java and Bali. The researchers conducted this study in 2021 and designed it with a cross-sectional design. Data was collected online using the Lime Survey as a data collection tool. The data analysis used was logistic regression to determine the association of smoking and hypertension.

Result

A number of 7.6% of health workers were still smoking and 10.4% were suffering from hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study shows that the proportion of health workers with hypertension is two times that of smokers (18.0%) compared to non-smokers (9.8%). Logistic regression showed that smoking has a 20% higher risk of developing hypertension (OR = 1.97; 95%CI = 1.01-1.41; p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Among health workers on the islands of Java and Bali, there are still many who smoke, and this puts them at a higher risk of experiencing hypertension.

Development and psychometric evaluation of nurses' health-related procrastination scale

There is no valid scale to measure health related procrastination, especially in nurses. This study was conducted to design and assess the psychometric properties of the health-related procrastination scale in nurses. This exploratory mixed method study was conducted between April 2017 and May 2019. The design and psychometric assessment of the nurses' health-related procrastination scale (NHRPS) was carried out through quantitative and qualitative phases. In the qualitative phase, nurses were interviewed and a review of literature was carried out to generate the items. In the quantitative phase, the scale validity was evaluated using the face, content and construct validity and its reliability was evaluated through the Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, intra-class correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable changes. The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that, with 29 items and five factors, the NHRPS explains 54.81% of the variance in NHRPS. The results of confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the final fit of model with five factors (RAMSEA: 0.08, CMIN/DF: 2.42, NFI: 0.92, PNFI: 0.83, CFI: 0.95, IFI: 0.95, RFI: 0.91, SRMR: 0.074). The Cronbach's alpha of the scale was 0.947, its intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.944, the Half-fold consistency coefficient was 0.970 and Omega internal consistency coefficient was 0.96. The NHRPS has good psychometric properties. This scale is suitable for research purposes, especially to plan for nurses' health promotion.

Health and Sedentary Behaviors within Polish Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Health behaviors play a pivotal role in improving and strengthening health. Nurses, who constitute the vast majority of employees in the health sector, play a crucial role not only in treating disease but also in promoting and maintaining optimal health for themselves and society. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of health and sedentary behavior and the factors influencing them among nurses. A survey, cross-sectional study was conducted among 587 nurses. Standardized questionnaires evaluating health and sedentary behavior were used. The study utilized both single-factor and multifactor analyses, employing the linear regression method and Spearman correlation coefficient. The results showed that the health behaviors of the survey nurses were at an average level. Sedentary time (in hours) was an average of 5.62 h (SD = 1.77) and correlates significantly (p < 0.05) and negatively (r < 0) with health behaviors in terms of the positive mental attitude subscale; the longer the sitting time, the lower the intensity of this type of health behaviors. The efficient functioning of the healthcare system is greatly dependent on nursing staff. To improve health behaviors among nurses, systemic solutions such as workplace wellness programs, incentives for healthy behaviors, and education on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle are needed.

Eating Behaviours Among Healthcare Workers and Their Relationships With Work-Related Burnout

The current research describes the indicators of good nutrition among staff working in a hospital setting and determines if dietary indicators are associated with work-related burnout. In total, 501 staff of a large healthcare organization in SouthEast Queensland, Australia completed a health and wellbeing survey. Multiple regression models were constructed to describe the associations between dietary indicators and burnout, while controlling for age, gender, work role and level of employment. Among the total sample of healthcare workers, indicators of healthy eating were poor. Fewer than 40% reported their overall diet as very good and fewer than 15% of healthcare workers reported eating the recommended 5 or more servings of vegetables per day. There was an inverse relationship between good nutrition and burnout, across a range of indicators (including rating of overall diet, fruit and vegetable consumption and sharing meals with family), such that healthier eating indicators were associate with less burnout. Given that rates of both poor nutrition and burnout among healthcare professionals are high, findings from the current study suggest that efforts to promote better nutrition among healthcare workers are warranted. Future research may evaluate if improving the nutrition of healthcare workers has a positive impact on work-related burnout.

Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and associated factors among healthcare workers in the Gaza Strip, Palestine: A cross-sectional study

Background

Overweight and obesity are multifactorial conditions that are prevalent in developing and developed countries. They are emerging as a significant public health concern among healthcare workers (HCWs). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associated factors among HCWs in the Gaza Strip.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit 1,850 HCWs aged 22 years and older. Interviews were carried out to collect sociodemographic information, nutritional information, and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements [height, weight, and waist circumference] were conducted with the HCWs. The body mass index was computed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Chi-square, t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the variables, and logistic regression was used to examine the associated factors of overweight and obesity.

Results

The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity among HCWs was 65%. The result of logistic regression showed the risk of being overweight and obesity increased within the age group of 40-49 years (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 2.37-4.32; P < 0.001). Male participants had more risk of obesity than female participants (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.45-2.15). Married participants had a significantly higher risk of being overweight and obese (OR = 2.52; 95% CI: 2.05-3.28; P = 0.001). Increased monthly income was significantly associated with the risk of being overweight and obese (OR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.22-3.83; P = 0.008). In addition, hypertension (OR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.65-3.78; P < 0.001) and type 2 diabetes (OR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.21-4.85; P= 0.012) were associated with overweight and obesity. Finally, a family history of NCDs was associated with overweight and obesity (OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.38-2.07; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study showed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among HCWs. Age, monthly income, marital status, known hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and eating habits were associated with the prevalence of overweight and obesity compared to other variables that were not associated with overweight and obesity such as profession, vegetables, fruit consumption, and physical activity. Urgent action is needed to tackle overweight and obesity among HCWs.

Physical Activity Patterns, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life Among Nursing and non-Nursing Staff in an Office-Based Care Coordination Program

Introduction

Sedentary work is associated with poor health outcomes. Many healthcare occupations, including office-based care coordination, are largely sedentary. Many nurses do not achieve the recommended levels of daily physical activity, however, the physical activity levels among nurses working in care coordination are not known.

Objective

To assess the physical activity levels, self-reported health and well-being, overall quality of life, and work-related satisfaction of office-based care coordinators, and compare these among nursing and non-nursing staff.

Methods

This study collected objective physical activity data using accelerometry along with self-reported information on work-related quality of life and satisfaction from 42 healthcare staff working in a hospital-affiliated office-based care coordination program. Results were compared among nursing and non-nursing staff.

Results

Nurses had lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels compared to non-nursing staff (25 min/day vs. 45, p  =  .007). There were no differences in daily sedentary time, light activity, or steps between nursing and non-nursing staff. Nurses reported high quality of life scores compared to non-nursing staff (4.4 vs. 4.1, p  =  .02), but similar levels of work-related quality of life, happiness, self-rated health, and well-being.

Conclusion

Nurses working in an office-based care coordination program had lower levels of physical activity but reported a higher overall quality of life than non-nurse work colleagues working in a similar environment. Given known health risks associated with sedentary occupational work and the growing number of care coordination programs, health policies and initiatives aimed at increasing the physical activity levels of care coordination workers is of prime importance.

Associations between compassion fatigue, burnout and secondary traumatic stress with lifestyle factors in mental health nurses: A multicenter study from Uganda

PURPOSE

This cross-sectional study aimed (a) to explore levels of compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and symptoms of burnout among Ugandan mental health nurses working in regional referral hospitals in Uganda during the Covid-19 pandemic, and (b) to investigate associations between compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and symptoms of burnout and sedentary levels, physical activity (PA) levels, sleep quality, and harmful drinking.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In total 108 mental health nurses from 8 regional referral hospitals across Uganda (age = 34.8 ± 10.0 years; 55.6 % female) completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale-5, (PQoLS-5), the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ), Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test - Concise (AUDIT-C). Spearman Rho correlations and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied.

RESULTS

ProQOL-5 compassion satisfaction correlated significantly with SIMPAQ walking, PSQI and AUDIT-C, ProQOL-5 burnout with SIMPAQ exercise and PSQI and ProQOL-5 traumatic with SIMPAQ walking and PSQI. Mental health nurses meeting PA guidelines reported higher ProQOL-5 compassion satisfaction and lower ProQOL-5 burnout and traumatic stress than those who did not. Those who reported a poor sleep quality reported significantly less ProQOL-5 compassion satisfaction and higher ProQOL-5 burnout than those who did not. Those who reported harmful drinking patterns reported a significantly lower compassion satisfaction versus those who did not.

DISCUSSION

In mental health nurses, a lower professional quality of life is associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. The effectiveness and efficacy of resilience and self-care programs for mental health nurses focusing on unhealthy lifestyle patterns should be explored.

Anthropometric status of nurses working at a private hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Background

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses in South Africa (SA) is increasing. This is a concern as overweight and obesity increase the risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Aim

This study aimed to determine the anthropometric status of nurses working at a private hospital and to identify the factors related to a high body mass index (BMI).

Setting

This study was conducted at a private hospital in Pietermaritzburg (PMB), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Methods

Weight, height and waist circumference (WC) measurements were taken, using standardised procedures. A self-administered questionnaire was developed to collect data on factors associated with a high BMI.

Results

Most participants were overweight or obese (86.2%; n = 112). The mean BMI of females (33.55 kg/m2) was significantly higher than that of males (28.08 kg/m2) (p = 0.043). Nurses who did not smoke had a significantly higher BMI (33.84 kg/m2) than those who smoked (29.58 kg/m2) (p = 0.030). Nurses who skipped meals had a higher mean BMI (33.75 kg/m2) than those who did not skip meals (29.63 kg/m2) (p = 0.005). Most females had a WC above 88 cm (66.2%; n = 86), indicating a substantially increased risk for metabolic complications.

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the nurses according to BMI. According to WC, most female nurses had an increased risk for metabolic complications. Being female, not smoking and skipping meals were associated with a higher BMI.

Contribution

This study highlights the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses.

Managing an ageing healthcare workforce: a systematic literature review

PURPOSE

The aim of this paper is to review research conducted on managing the ageing healthcare workforce and identify gaps for further research.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

A systematic literature search of studies in the English language was carried out in Scopus and Web of Science databases.

FINDINGS

The study consists of an analysis of 75 published articles. The majority of the papers were published in recent years, indicating a growing interest in the field. The authors specified the following inclusion criteria: all years, articles/reviews, English language and full text in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The authors of the paper illustrated seven major categories with different topics that were suggested for future research. It included: challenges of labor market in the healthcare field, age-related changes and their influence on work ability, training opportunities and lifelong learning among ageing health workforce, motives of early retirement, ageing and its relationship to Occupational Health and Safety. Longitudinal studies and case study strategy with mixed-methods approaches were suggested for future research by the authors.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

The paper summarizes knowledge related to the management of ageing health workforce, describes topics researched and as a result, presents findings on and conclusions about the most important future implications of the ageing workforce for management in the healthcare field providing lines for further research. To the authors' knowledge, no holistic systematic literature reviews have been published in academic journals targeted specifically to ageing healthcare workers.

A mixed-methods pilot study exploring midwives' job satisfaction: Is being of service to women the key?

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this research project was to investigate midwives' job satisfaction in Australian maternity care settings.

METHODS

A mixed methods pilot study using the convergent parallel design, and a mixed-methods approach was used for this study. The Nursing Workplace Satisfaction questionnaire was used to collect data online via social media platforms, and consisted of Likert Scale responses, and both closed and opened ended questions.

RESULTS

The quantitative results noted an overall positive result to participants' job satisfaction, however there were areas that participants reported as problematic. These areas were delved into further via the results of the qualitative data which highlighted eight themes that explored the participants' perception of the worst things that impacted upon their job satisfaction, and also the best things which impacted in relation to their current jobs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed factors including staff shortages, being time-poor, missing basic human rights like meals and comfort breaks which were linked to midwives' dissatisfaction with their jobs in Australia. The study also identified that midwives valued being of service to women, and that this factor was a driving force in job satisfaction.

Work site food purchases among healthcare staff: Relationship with healthy eating and opportunities for intervention

Aim

The current study describes food‐purchasing behaviours of healthcare staff, determines whether purchasing food at work is associated with overall indicators of healthy eating, and explores opportunities for improving the hospital food environment.

Methods

A secondary analysis of a health and wellbeing survey of healthcare workers (n = 501) in Queensland, Australia. Multiple regression models describe the associations between food purchases and indicators of healthy eating, while controlling for age, gender and work role.

Results

More than 60% of staff purchased food/drinks at work in the past week, and this was inversely associated with indicators of healthy eating. For example, among those purchasing food/drinks at work on most days, only 18% reported their overall diet as excellent or very good, compared to 50% of those who do not purchase food/drink at work (odds ratio [OR] = 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.12,0.48] in adjusted models). Staff feedback prioritised strategies to make healthy meals more accessible and affordable.

Conclusion

Improvements to the retail food environment in hospitals could have a positive impact on the overall nutritional wellbeing of staff.

Health Behaviors and Health-Related Quality of Life in Female Medical Staff

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the intensity of health behaviors and health-related quality of life in female mid-level medical staff. The study group consisted of 153 female mid-level medical staff members. The intensity of health behaviors was examined with the Polish version of Health Behavior Inventory. Health-related quality of life was verified with the Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF 36v2). Among the participants, 33% had low, 39% average, and 28% high intensity of health behaviors. The mental component of health-related quality of life was rated higher (83.3 ± 15.3 points) compared to the physical one. The lowest health-related quality of life was observed in the domain of “bodily pain”, while the highest was found for the domain of “social functioning”. Both the physical and mental components of health-related quality of life were significantly positively correlated with health behavior prevalence in all its categories. The post-hoc tests revealed the variation in physical and mental components of HRQoL according to the level of health behavior intensity.

Factors associated with alcohol abuse in nursing professionals in São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract Objective: to identify factors associated with alcohol abuse in nursing professionals in São Paulo State. Methods: this is a case-control nested in a cross-sectional study. We collected data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle, work ability, occupational features, physical and psychosocial work environment, and alcohol abuse (CAGE Questionnaire). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: the study involved 119 participants in the case group and 356 in the control group. After age adjustment, alcohol abuse was associated with male sex (OR: 3.39; 95%CI: 1.96;5.85), current or former smoking (OR: 2.11; 95%CI: 1.32;3.38), and poor sleep quality (OR: 1.91; 95%CI: 1.12;3.25); and negatively associated with ≥50 weekly working hours (OR: 0.54;95%CI: 0.32;0.92) and a monthly family income ≥6.1 minimum wages(OR: 0.37; 95%CI: 0.20;0.67). Conclusions: working hours and individual characteristics were associated with alcohol abuse. Workplaces should implement programs to prevent and treat alcohol abuse in nursing professionals to reduce workers’ and patients’ alcohol-related harms.

Fatores associados ao consumo abusivo de álcool em profissionais de enfermagem no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Resumo Objetivo: identificar fatores associados ao consumo abusivo de álcool entre profissionais de Enfermagem no estado de São Paulo. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo caso-controle aninhado a um transversal. Foram coletados dados sobre características demográficas, do estilo de vida, capacidade para o trabalho, aspectos ocupacionais, do ambiente de trabalho físico e psicossocial e de consumo abusivo de álcool (questionário CAGE). Foi realizada análise de regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: o estudo envolveu 119 casos e 356 controles. Após ajuste por idade, o consumo abusivo de álcool foi associado ao sexo masculino (OR: 3,39; IC95%:1,96;5,85), tabagismo atual ou pregresso (OR: 2,11; IC95%: 1,32;3,38) e à qualidade do sono ruim (OR: 1,91; IC95%:1,12;3,25); e negativamente associado a carga horária de trabalho semanal ≥50 horas (OR: 0,54; IC95%:0,32;0,92) e renda familiar mensal de ≥6,1 salários-mínimos (OR: 0,37; IC95%: 0,20;0,67). Conclusões: jornada de trabalho e características individuais estiveram associadas ao consumo abusivo de álcool. Programas de prevenção e tratamento do consumo abusivo de álcool em profissionais da Enfermagem deveriam ser implementados nos locais de trabalho, visando reduzir os danos causados pelo álcool para trabalhadores e pacientes.

Obesity and Diet Predict Attitudes towards Health Promotion in Pre-Registered Nurses and Midwives

Nurses and midwives are integral to public health promotion; in the UK, they are advised to act as role models by their governing body, but overweight or obesity rates are high. We explored whether obesity and dietary habits are related to attitudes towards healthy role modelling and health promotion practice. A total of 346 pre-registered UK nurses and midwives (92.6% female; 18–53 years) completed an online survey. Items included body composition, dietary habits assessed by the Lifestyle Behaviour Questionnaire (LBQ), attitudes towards being role models for health (RA: role attitudes) and attitudes toward health promotion practice (ATHPP): 33.8% of the sample self-reported as overweight or obese; 67.6% did not consume 5-a-day portions of fruit/veg; 31.5% reported a healthy diet; and 89.6% believed their diet could be healthier. Positive RA was significantly linked to health promotion engagement (HP) (ß = 0.33, p < 0.001). Positive ATHPP was significantly predicted by lower BMI (ß = −0.08, p = 0.078), positive RA (ß = 0.67, p < 0.001), lower HP (ß = −0.25, p < 0.001) and male gender (ß = 0.09, p = 0.02). Greater confidence in patients valuing healthcare professional’s advice was predicted by healthier diet (ß = 0.11, p = 0.03), lower BMI (ß = −0. 16, p < 0.01), more positive RA (ß = 0.14, p < 0.01) as well as HP engagement during training (ß = 0.20, p < 0.01). One’s own motivation to promote health, similarly to ATHPP, was predicted by RA (ß = 0.17, p = 0.001) and previous HP engagement (ß = 0.39, p < 0.001). Findings show that overweight and obesity are prevalent in pre-registered nurses and midwives; the majority did not consume a healthy diet. Individual’s body composition, diet and attitudes towards role modelling are positively associated with their attitudes towards, and confidence in, health promotion practice. Experiences of health promotion practice during training can have either a positive or a negative influence on attitudes. Mentors and educators could actively promote healthy lifestyles for pre-registered nurses and midwives and facilitate more opportunities for health promotion practice during placements, which includes time for reflection.

Start Healthy and Stay Healthy: A workplace health promotion intervention for new graduate nurses: A mixed-methods study

AIMS

This study explored the acceptability of a workplace health promotion intervention embedded into a transition to practice (TTP) programme to assist new graduate nurses in establishing healthy dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours from career commencement.

DESIGN

A sequential mixed methods design.

METHODS

The Start Healthy and Stay Healthy (SH&SH) intervention, informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel, was conducted in an Australian Local Health District. It included face-to-face education sessions, the use of a fitness tracker and twice-weekly short answer messages. Participants completed three online surveys: at orientation, 6 weeks and 6 months. A sub-sample participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their experience of the intervention. Interview data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

The intervention was delivered from February to December 2019. A total of 99 nurses completed the baseline survey, 62 at 6 weeks and 69 at 6 months. After 6 months, health knowledge increased as participants correctly identified recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables and PA. Fruit consumption increased at 6 months with little change to vegetable intake. Takeaway consumption decreased, but consumption of some discretionary foods increased. Across the three time points, there was a low engagement in PA during leisure time. The interviews identified three themes: (1) Support of Colleagues and Peers, (2) The Work Environment and (3) Engagement with SH&SH.

CONCLUSION

Providing a targeted intervention for new graduate nurses embedded into a TTP programme improved their health knowledge, some dietary behaviours, and participation in PA by some participants.

IMPACT

Ensuring a healthy nursing workforce is critical to retaining staff. Implementing a workplace health promotion intervention that targets new graduate nurses can help them adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviours to support them in their future careers.

Factors influencing initiation of health behaviour conversations with patients: Cross-sectional study of nurses, midwives, and healthcare support workers in Wales

Aim

To identify factors influencing healthcare professionals’ engagement in health behaviour conversations with patients.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Between April and June 2019, an online survey of 1338 nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers was conducted. The survey assessed whether staff felt comfortable initiating health behaviour conversations with patients about five behaviours (reducing alcohol intake; stop smoking; being more active; reducing their weight; and improving their diet) and barriers to conversation initiation. Health professionals’ own health‐related behaviours, self‐rated health and mental wellbeing, and socio‐demographic characteristics were recorded. Logistic regression models were built to assess factors associated with feeling comfortable initiating health behaviour conversations for each topic.

Result

Less than 50% of respondents reported feeling comfortable initiating health behaviour conversations with patients. Female staff, young professionals (18 to 29 years), those in lower staff grades and those with poorer health and low mental wellbeing were less likely to report feeling comfortable having health behaviour conversations across all topics. Those who did not adhere to physical activity and dietary guidelines were less likely to initiate a conversation about being more active and having a healthy diet, respectively. Not having time to discuss the topic, suitable space to hold a conversation, and feeling worried about offending/upsetting patients were the main barriers reported.

Conclusion

Around 6 in 10 members of the nursing, midwifery and healthcare support workforce in Wales potentially do not feel comfortable to initiate a health behaviour conversation with patients about health and wellbeing. Feeling less comfortable to initiate a conversation was associated with staff demographics and organizational factors.

Impact

We identified those less likely to initiate health behaviour conversations as well as personal and organizational barriers to initiation. This will help to target and tailor interventions to ensure staff are equipped and enabled to hold health behaviour conversations with patients.

Nutrition Habits of Polish Nurses: An Approach

BACKGROUND

Chronic stress, unlimited working time and the shift working system as well as sleep deficiency may lead to the occurrence of nutrition disorders among nurses.

AIM

The aim of the paper was an assessment of the nutrition habits of nurses. It was an observational study conducted from June 2017 to May 2018 among nurses (n = 1080) in Silesia in Poland. Data was obtained using a range of questionnaires.

RESULTS

Body mass index (BMI) of the analysed nurses demonstrated overweight/obesity in 490 (45.5%) of them. Nearly all the diets of the analysed nurses (n = 1021; 94.5%) required improvement. Younger nurses (<31 years old) demonstrated a greater tendency to indulge in habitual overeating, and those having additional employment demonstrated poorer nutrition habits compared to those without additional employment.

CONCLUSION

The analysed nurses made numerous dietary mistakes which, as a consequence, can lead to obesity. Emotional overeating was the dominant nutrition habit in the studied group of nurses. Nurses who were overweight/obese, nurses who had additional employment and younger nurses demonstrated tendencies toward improper nutrition choices, i.e., the tendency to overeat or restrain oneself from eating.

Risky Behaviour among Nurses in Poland: An Analysis of Nurses' Physical Condition, Mental Health, and Resilience

Background: Nursing is a profession where staff are exposed to chronic stress. Mental resilience plays a significant role in the process of coping with these challenges. The aim of this study was to assess nurses' mental and physical wellbeing, as well as resilience, by taking into account the occurrence of risky behaviour among nurses in Poland. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out between June 2017 and May 2018 among nurses (n = 1080) employed in primary healthcare or in training centres in Silesia, Poland. Data were obtained from a number of questionnaires. Results: Over half of the nurses (n = 735; 68%) had an average psychophysical mood level resulting from stress, and 179 (16.6%) nurses had a low psychophysical mood. Those with a lower psychophysical mood showed a greater tendency towards developing improper eating habits (r = -0.23; p < 0.001). Most nurses had an average (n = 649; 60.1%) or low (n = 255; 23.6%) level of resilience. Higher resilience levels were observed in nurses aged over 30 years (p = 0.004) and in those with additional employment (p = 0.008). High resilience was associated with a lower intensity of risky behaviour. Conclusion: Most nurses in Poland display average and low levels of resilience, which can have unfavourable consequences for their health.

Nurses' physical activity exploratory study: Caring for you so you can care for others

BACKGROUND

Nurses report the greatest stress of all health care workers. Although physical activity (PA) is associated with health benefits among other populations, nurses have stressors that other occupations do not typically encounter. It is important for nurses to identify techniques for stress management since stressors negatively impact their health and patient care.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the relationship between PA levels and physical, mental, and occupational health among nurses.

METHODS

Nurses (N = 62) completed measures of anthropometrics, demographics, and domains of physical, mental, and occupational health. Pearson correlations determined the relationship between PA and measures health along with the relationship between PA and health among active versus inactive nurses.

RESULTS

Fatigue was significantly correlated with moderate-to-vigorous PA (r = -0.27, p < 0.05). Relationships were found between mental health and light and moderate intensity PA (r = 0.40, p < 0.001; r = 0.30, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Stress is prevalent among nurses and negatively impacts a nurse's health along with patient care. Findings suggest health benefits associated with PA among nurses. PA interventions among nurses may be needed to fully see the effects of PA on physical, mental, and occupational health, and ultimately patient health and safety.

Analysis of Selected Body Composition Parameters and Ergonomic Safety among Professionally Active Nurses in Poland: A Preliminary Prospective Monocentric and Observational Study

Nurses consist of an occupational group that is particularly exposed to harmful work-related factors such as prolonged working hours, severe stress, fatigue, and excessive strain on the musculoskeletal system. According to nurses, the limitation of the application of ergonomic principles of work may contribute to the occurrence of numerous dangerous behaviors, improper eating habits, or deficiency of systematic physical activity. The most common consequences are nutritional disorders and musculoskeletal system dysfunctions. This prospective observational study was aimed at evaluating selected parameters of the body composition of professionally active nurses and at determining work-related risks during nursing activities. The study group consisted of 37 active nurses (38.38 ± 11.33 years). The research tool was a device for bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). A questionnaire designed by the authors was also implemented, which covered ergonomic principles, musculoskeletal injuries, and nutritional habits. In the present study, it was shown that all average values of the tested nurses' body composition parameters were within the normal range. The majority of respondents (97.3%) reached a high level of body water. A statistically significant correlation was found between the knowledge of the workplace ergonomic principles and body mass index. In conclusion, musculoskeletal pain and lack of implementation of ergonomic behaviors are a significant problem among nurses, which may be the cause of overweight or obesity in this occupational group.

A longitudinal study of multiple lifestyle health risk behaviours among nursing students and non-nursing peers

AIM

The aim of this paper is to compare the evolution of health risk behaviours between undergraduate nursing and social work students.

BACKGROUND

Nursing includes the promotion of health and the shaping of healthy behaviours. An important determinant for providing lifestyle advice is the lifestyle of nurses themselves.

DESIGN

Longitudinal comparative study.

MEASUREMENTS

We compared lifestyle risk behaviours (binge drinking, cannabis/hashish/marijuana use, smoking, oral hygiene/toothbrushing, breakfast/fruit/vegetable consumption, physical activity and screen time/sedentary behaviours) using a self-administered standardized questionnaire in nursing (n = 121) and social work (n = 140) students at the beginning (2012) and the end of their studies (2015). Adjusted multivariable logistic/Poisson regression models were performed.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the departments in most risk factors in both assessments. However, in relation to their first year, both nursing and social work students displayed higher relative risk of engaging in more behavioural risk factors at the end of their studies (in delivery/junk food consumption, sunburns, hashish/marijuana use and multiple sexual partners). Social work students displayed better behaviours in physical activity and breakfast intake.

CONCLUSION

Nursing students share the patterns of their nonnursing peers in behavioural risk factors compromising their future health and health-promoting role. We need strategies to safeguard the professional nursing practice.

Assessment of pressure pain threshold at the cervical and lumbar spine region in the group of professionally active nurses: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The problem of spinal pain among nurses and lack of compliance with workplace ergonomy is increasing. The study aimed to assess the pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the cervical and lumbar spine in nursing staff.

METHODS

The sample of this prospective and observational study consisted of 30 female nurses with a mean age of 38.6 ± 11.1 years. The standardized Oswestry (ODI) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used, as well as the Authors' Designed Questionnaire (ADQ) was used to assess compliance with ergonomic principles. The PPT analysis using a computerized pressure algometer (CPA) was performed to examine the level of PPT.

RESULTS

A mild disability was found in 56% of nurses (NDI and ODI). A value of <4 kg/cm2 (CPA), indicating musculoskeletal overload was observed in 57% of subjects. Also, 60% of nurses work with a lying patient; 73.4% grabs the patient's armpits while transferring in bed; 16.7% never adjusts the height of the bed, and only 13.4% choose specialist footwear for work. There is a correlation between PPT values for trapezius and erector spinae muscles on the same side of the body in nurses with mild and moderate disability (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pain complaints are associated with lower PPT of trapezius and erector spinae muscles and asymmetry of muscle tension. Also, it was noted that the lack of implementation of ergonomic principles by nursing staff affects their degree of disability.

Detection of risk for type 2 diabetes and its relationship with metabolic alterations in nurses

Objective:

to detect the risk of development of type 2 diabetes in nurses and its relationship with metabolic alterations.

Method:

cross-sectional study, with 155 nurses. The variables investigated were: sociodemographic, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip index, lipid profile, basal glycemia and oral glucose tolerance curve. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score was used to collect data.

Results:

155 nurses were included, with an average age of 44 years and 85% were overweight or obese. 52% had a family history of diabetes and 21% had occasional hyperglycemia. With respect to the risk, 59% were identified with moderate and very high risk for type 2 diabetes. Glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c and insulin resistance increased in parallel to the increased risk for type 2 diabetes, although lipids did not increase. 27% of the sample had impaired fasting glycemia. 15% had glucose intolerance and 5% had type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion:

there was a high detection rate of people at risk for type 2 diabetes (59%) and the high and very high risk score was associated with high levels of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, glucose, insulin and insulin resistance, but not with lipids.

Pre-employment health lifestyle profiles and actual turnover among newly graduated nurses: A descriptive and prospective longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Newly graduated nurses' pre-employment health lifestyles play particularly important roles in their smooth adaptation to and retention in clinical nursing; however, the longitudinal relationship between pre-employment health lifestyles and work outcomes, such as turnover, remains underexamined. To identify the health lifestyle profiles of specific populations of interest, recent studies have employed multifaceted approaches using health behaviors and/or statuses.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the pre-employment health lifestyle profiles of newly graduated nurses, and to examine the longitudinal relationships between health lifestyle profiles and actual turnover.

DESIGN

Descriptive and prospective longitudinal study design.

SETTINGS

One tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 464 newly graduated nurses who started work between September 2014 and December 2015.

METHODS

The outcome was actual turnover-whether participants had resigned from the organization and the days they worked up to December 31, 2017. We measured eight health lifestyle variables on the first day of orientation before ward placement (i.e., at baseline): quantity and quality of sleep, eating three meals a day, having a regular diet, alcohol consumption, moderate exercise, depression, and self-rated health. We employed latent class analysis to identify the health lifestyle profiles of new nurses, and used Cox proportional hazards regression to examine the longitudinal relationships between health lifestyle profiles and actual turnover.

RESULTS

We classified newly graduated nurses' pre-employment health lifestyle profiles into two groups: unhealthy lifestyle (15.6%) and discordant (84.4%). Compared with the new nurses in the discordant group, those in the unhealthy lifestyle group had significantly higher probabilities of resigning (HR = 2.38, 95% CIs of HR = 1.62-3.50); this relationship remained significant after adjusting for perceived job stress at six weeks of work (HR = 2.26, 95% CIs of HR = 1.50-3.39).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified significant differences in the patterns of newly graduated nurses' pre-employment health lifestyles; our analysis showed that classification in the unhealthy lifestyle group was a turnover risk factor. Given that new nurses' health lifestyles affect work outcomes, hospitals should implement organizational and educational initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyles. In considering pre-employment health lifestyle profiles, hospitals should also monitor novice nurses' adaptation and wellness. Nursing education should include strategies to enhance nursing students' own health. Further extensive longitudinal studies should seek to identify the health lifestyle profiles of heterogeneous nurse populations.

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.