Prediction model for abnormal eating behaviour among hospital nurses: A structural equation modelling approach

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Occupational Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Nurses face a high risk of developing abnormal eating behaviors.
• Limited research exists on the influencing factors of abnormal eating behaviors in nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictive factors for abnormal eating behaviors among hospital nurses.
• To investigate the relationships between shift work, job stress, depression, sleep quality, fatigue, coping strategies, and abnormal eating behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional, descriptive correlational research design.
• Hypothetical model developed from literature review, including eight factors.
• Structural equation modeling used to test the model with data from 298 nurses.

Main Results:

• Poor sleep quality and passive coping directly predict abnormal eating behaviors.
• Shift work and depression indirectly influence abnormal eating behaviors.
• Increased passive coping and decreased sleep quality exacerbate abnormal eating behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Nursing managers and policymakers should implement strategies to improve shift work patterns and rest periods.
• Educational programs to enhance coping strategies are recommended for hospital nurses.
• Interventions targeting sleep quality and coping mechanisms can mitigate abnormal eating behaviors in nurses.