Nutritional status of the student nurses of a tertiary health-care center - A mixed-method study

Effect of shift work on dietary habits and occupational stress among nurses in a tertiary care centre: An observational study

Introduction

Shift work comprises work hours other than 9 am to 5 pm. Healthcare jobs such as nursing have been associated with shift work, which can affect their overall health status. Due to excessive workload and instability in working hours, nurses are also prone to higher occupational stress.

Materials and Methods

A descriptive study, Cornell Medical Index (CMI) questionnaire, 24-h recall method, and occupational stress score (OSS) were used to assess overall health, calorie intake, and occupational stress among nurses working in a tertiary care centre in Central India.

Results

The mean age of participants in the control and study groups was 43.2 ± 6.059 years and 43.93 ± 5.20 years, respectively. Neither of the group's participants had poor nutritional status. CMI health scores revealed poor mental health among the study group. Severe occupational stress was observed in 57% of participants, and 33% had moderate occupational stress. Among the causes of occupational stress, 92% cited unfavourable work conditions, and 88% pointed out the workload. Poor peer relations and low status were cited by 77% and 57% of participants.

Conclusion

This study highlights the harmful effects of shift work on health of nurses. These negative effects are usually linked to poor diet and stress, which can be induced by overwork, poor sleep, or both. This study found that high workload is the main cause of occupational stress. Sleep disruption, lack of exercise and excess work load are major contributors for occupational stress and unhealthy eating habits. More awareness regarding importance of good diet and stress management may aid in improving health of nurses working in shifts.

The Prevalence of Anemia in Working Women

INTRODUCTION

Anemia can be defined as a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells (RBCs). It is becoming a growing socioeconomic issue. It is important to identify the causes of anemia and educate people about its symptoms. This can aid in the early identification and diagnosis of anemia, thereby preventing the disease's complications. The complications of anemia include the risk of low birth weight, prematurity, prenatal and neonatal mortality, and maternal mortality.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study is to investigate the factors contributing to anemia among working-class women employed in government or private sectors located in Karachi, Pakistan. By identifying the causes and risk factors of anemia, participants can be counseled to adopt a healthier lifestyle, a well-balanced diet, and activities that may eliminate the causes of anemia, further preventing the incidence of anemia. The objectives of the study are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). The study was conducted from November 2019 to August 2021 despite facing COVID-19-related restrictions. The sample size fit the inclusion criteria, and the objectives were accomplished successfully with adequate resources.

METHODOLOGY

The cross-sectional study was conducted after receiving clearance from institutions and consent from participants. A total of 180 participants provided consent after receiving a thorough explanation of the study, and they had the right to refuse to participate. In respect of confidentiality, the participants were not required to provide their names, as they were not included in our data analysis. The inclusion criteria included women of the working class, aged 18-45 years, working a minimum of four to five hours per week, and employed in government or private sectors located in Karachi, Pakistan. The exclusion criteria included women with bleeding or hematological disorders, a history of surgery in the last 12 months, pregnancy, or systemic disease. Data collection was divided into two sections: section one (questionnaire) and section two (investigations). The questionnaire was given to each participant via Google Forms and was filled out before section two of data collection, which included blood tests via a finger prick to measure hemoglobin with a Veri-Q Multi Meter hemoglobin monitoring system (manufactured by Q-line BIOTECH, New Delhi, India).

RESULTS

The mean Hb was 11.15 ± 1.29 mg/dl (n = 180). The study revealed that 58.3% of the participants had a normal hemoglobin concentration according to the WHO anemia classification, while 41.7% were anemic. Overall, the prevalence of anemia was 41.7%, and the majority (56%) of the participants had mild anemia.

CONCLUSION

The majority of the participants had mild anemia. Education on anemia and its symptoms, eating habits, occupational status, and stress-related factors can affect the hemoglobin concentration in RBCs. A diet low in meat, leafy vegetables, and fruit leads to anemia. Despite knowledge of anemia and its symptoms, non-medical professionals, especially young adults, had a higher prevalence of anemia than medical professionals, although the difference was minor.

Nurses' eating habits in Lebanon during the economic and health crises: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Nurses face multiple stressors that can influence their lifestyle, thus affecting their health status. Scarce are the scientific data on the nutritional status of nurses, especially during health crises. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the eating habits of hospital nurses in the context of an exceptional economic situation in Lebanon.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based questionnaire, targeting a non-random sampling of frontline nurses using the snowball technique. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out. The population of the study included all registered nurses working in the Lebanese hospitals. A total of 533 nurses completed the questionnaire; 500 surveys were selected after excluding the ones presenting conditions that may affect their eating behavior.

RESULTS

The majority of the respondents were women (78.6%) with a mean age of 33 years [18-60] [SD,7.44 years]. Most of them (57.6%) had a crowding index ≥1. The consumption of different food groups decreased during these crises. There was a significant correlation between stress and deterioration of healthy food consumption, which provides beneficial nutrients and minimizes potentially harmful elements, especially for meat (OR 2.388, CI 1.463 to 3.898, P < 0.001). The decrease in monthly income showed a real impact on the consumption of healthy food such as meat (OR 2.181, CI 1.504 to 3.161, P < 001), fruits (OR 1.930, CI 1.289 to 2.888, P = 0.001), and milk and dairy products (OR 1.544, CI 1.039 to 2.295, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

The pandemic and in particular the economic crisis has changed the consumption of healthy food among hospital nurses in Lebanon. Similar research and support may be extended to include other frontline health care workers.

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.

Prevalence and awareness of nutritional anemia among female medical students in Karad, Maharashtra, India: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries. According to the World Health Organization, the highest number of individuals affected by anemia is observed in nonpregnant women aged 15-49.99 years. Though nutritional anemia can affect any age group, female medical students form a vulnerable population due to their hectic schedules, erratic mealtimes, and long working hours while staying in hostel for majority of times. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence and awareness of anemia among the apparently healthy female students studying at a health institute.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study is conducted among 300 female students studying at a health institute in western Maharashtra after their written informed consent. A structured questionnaire elicits their general information, the knowledge about signs and symptoms of anemia, and dietary habits. Basal metabolic index and hemoglobin using the spectroscopy method are estimated for each participant.

RESULTS

Anemia prevalence in our population is 86 (28.6%). Based upon the severity of anemia, about 54 (18%) has mild anemia and 32 (10.6%) has moderate anemia. No case of severe anemia is noted in our study sample.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study highlight that anemia can affect even medical female students who are a vulnerable group unexpectedly suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Thus, this study highlights the need for interventional programs at primary health-care systems and colleges for improvement in the nutritional status of anemic students to reduce its complications.