Job stress and work schedules in relation to nurse obesity

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between job stress/work schedules (JS/WS) and obesity among nurses.

Background: Job stress and shift work are known risk factors for obesity, yet comprehensive measures of JS/WS in relation to nurse obesity have been little investigated.

Methods: Secondary data analysis used survey data from 2,103 female nurses. Obesity was measured using body mass index estimates. Binomial logistic regression models incorporated independent components of JS/WS and adjusted for demographics, nursing position, mental/emotional distress, health behaviors, and family-related covariates.

Results: Approximately 55% of the sample was overweight/obese (OW/OB). When compared with underweight/normal weight nurses, OW/OB nurses reported that their jobs had less physical exertion (odds ratio [OR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72-0.95, P = .01) and more limited movement (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.02-1.28, P = .03). Long work hours (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.08-1.40, P < .01) were significantly associated with being OW/OB as compared with underweight/normal.

Conclusions: Findings suggest interventions to limit adverse work schedules. Access to healthy food and optimal meal breaks should be investigated.