Work

Are Working Conditions of Nurses Associated With Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Stress Levels?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: This study aimed to examine the associations between working conditions and nurses' stress levels, nutritional status, and physical activity in Türkiye. BACKGROUND: Nurses often face challenging working conditions that may lead to both psychological and physiological issues. METHODS: Data were collected from 825 female nurses aged 19-60 working in private hospitals across Türkiye. Working conditions were assessed by weekly working hours and total years of service. Nutritional status was assessed using a 24-hour food recall, physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and stress with the Turkish version of the Nurse Stress Scale. The study followed the STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: Overall, 39% of nurses had 0-5 years of total service, and 61% worked 40-45 hours/week. Nurses working 40-45 hours/week had significantly higher dietary fat and cholesterol intakes, while overall nutrient intake did not differ significantly by years of service. 49.1% were physically inactive, with those working longer hours and having more years of service tending to exhibit minimal levels of physical activity. Stress levels increased with longer working hours; however, nurses with 0-5 years of service reported significantly higher total stress scores compared to their more experienced counterparts. DISCUSSION: The results indicate that nurses' demanding working conditions and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are critical issues requiring attention in organizational and policy-level discussions. CONCLUSION: Longer working hours are associated with higher stress, lower physical activity, and unbalanced nutrition, while greater work experience appears to mitigate stress levels. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Policymakers and hospital administrations should implement structured programs to improve nurses' working conditions, reduce occupational stress, and promote healthy nutrition and physical activity.

Source: International Nursing Review

DOI: 10.1111/inr.70133

Authors: Eda Keskin, Indrani Kalkan

Institution: Istanbul Medipol University

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Burnout

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400