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

This study aimed to examine the associations between working conditions and nurses' stress levels, nutritional status, and physical activity in Türkiye.

Nurses often face challenging working conditions that may lead to both psychological and physiological issues.

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.

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.

The results indicate that nurses' demanding working conditions and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are critical issues requiring attention in organizational and policy-level discussions.

Longer working hours are associated with higher stress, lower physical activity, and unbalanced nutrition, while greater work experience appears to mitigate stress levels.

Policymakers and hospital administrations should implement structured programs to improve nurses' working conditions, reduce occupational stress, and promote healthy nutrition and physical activity.