Interventions for Unhealthy Eating Patterns of Resident Otolaryngologists on Call

Resident physicians commonly experience elevated stress levels and disrupted sleep while on call. Many also report intense cravings for comfort food, typically high in fat, sugar, and salt. The objective of this pilot study was to explore the physiological and psychological factors contributing to the desire for unhealthy food among US otolaryngology residents on call, and to present strategies for reducing these behaviors. The hypothesis was that the introduction of a simple behavioral intervention would be associated with reduced unhealthy food consumption.

Twelve otolaryngology residents from a single academic institution were prospectively enrolled and followed over a 61-day study period consisting of a pre- and post-intervention phase. During the initial 31-day pre-intervention period, participants completed a brief survey following each call shift and reported total sleep duration and whether unhealthy food was consumed. During the subsequent 30-day intervention period, residents were instructed to complete box breathing and/or consume green tea, and reported intervention adherence, sleep duration, and whether unhealthy food was consumed.

Survey responses reporting unhealthy food consumption were associated with shorter sleep duration compared to responses reporting no unhealthy food consumption (mean difference = 1.73 h, CI 1.02-2.45, p < 0.0001). Participation in the intervention phase was associated with a reduction in unhealthy eating habits; however, the change was not significant (p = 0.066). Similarly, residents who performed the intervention of box breathing and/or drinking green tea demonstrated fewer episodes of unhealthy food consumption; however, the magnitude of change was not significant (p = 0.857).

This pilot study evaluated practical behavioral strategies as potential approaches to reducing unhealthy food consumption during call. Although reductions in unhealthy eating episodes were observed, findings should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size. Further research is needed to design, implement, and assess strategies that support healthier dietary practices among US resident physicians on call.

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