The nutritional status of nurses working shifts: A pilot study in Turkey

Abstract

Objective This study was carried out to determine the nutritional status of shift-working female nurses at a university hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Methods A total of 110 volunteer female nurses (n=56 control group, n=54 study group) were included in the study. A questionnaire with a three day food record collected the study data. Results The mean daily energy intake of the study group was higher than that of the control group (1756±659 kcal versus 1694±431 kcal, p > 0.05). While the carbohydrate intake (196.3±85.5 g versus 185.9±54.7 g) and fat intake (79.5±29.5 g versus 77.1±22.6 g) were higher in the study group, the protein intake was higher in the control group (59.4±17.6 g versus 57.6±21.6 g). The mean iron intake was statistically higher in the control group (10.6±2.9 mg versus 10.0±4.0 mg, p < 0.05). Conclusion To improve night shift workers' performance and nutritional status it is important to provide accessible, healthy, and quality food services.