A comparison of nurses' eating habits working in the operating theatres at the Maltese general hospital.

Abstract

This study sought to examine nurses' eating habits working in the operating theatres at the Maltese acute general hospital, Mater Dei hospital. Qualitative data was collected from 67 nurses working at the operating theatres in Mater Dei hospital. The data was collected using a questionnaire. Data was later on analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 16 and the Nutritionist Five computer program. There seemed to be no differences in the overall distribution of calories in day and night shift workers. However results showed that overall, nurses had high body mass indexes resulting from an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and increased intake of caffeine in both shift workers. Levels of stress seemed to be high in all workers. From the discussion various recommendations such as the importance of continuous health screening to all those working on shift basis, and the need for better education on eating and drinking for health shift workers have been put forward.