Association of Hours of Paid Work with Dietary Intake and Quality in Japanese Married Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study investigated the association of hours of paid work with dietary intake and diet quality among Japanese married women. This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of a nationwide population survey in 2013. The analytic sample included 644 married women aged 20-59 years. The participants were categorized into five groups according to hours of paid work per week: 0 (housewives), 1-14, 15-34, 35-42, and ≥43 h. Dietary intake was assessed by a self-administered diet history questionnaire. The Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 (NRF9.3) was used to measure the dietary quality. The association of hours of paid work with dietary intake and NRF9.3 score was assessed using a multivariable general linear regression analysis with adjustments for confounders. Hours of paid work were associated with a higher intake of rice and lower intake of vegetables, potatoes, soy products, and seaweeds and nutrients including protein, dietary fiber, and most vitamins and minerals. Hours of paid work were negatively associated with the NRF9.3 score. This study showed that Japanese married women engaging in paid work, especially those who work long hours, have less healthy diets. Efforts to improve the dietary intake of married women with paid work might be needed.