Disordered eating and job stress among nurses.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine disordered eating behaviours among nurses in the state of Ohio.


BACKGROUND
Individuals involved in disordered eating tend to report more frequent and higher levels of perceived stress than their counterparts. As nurses regularly perform stressful roles and responsibilities within a high-stress environment, this group may be at elevated risk of disordered eating.


METHODS
A 65-item survey was mailed to a random sample of 1000 nurses in the state of Ohio.


RESULTS
A total of 435 nurses (47%) returned completed surveys. Most (93%) were registered nurses (RNs) and 87% were over 31 years old. Results indicated that disordered eating differed significantly based on perceived job stress and perceived body satisfaction. Nurses with high levels of perceived job stress and low levels of body satisfaction had higher disordered eating involvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses reporting high levels of job stress are at increased risk of disordered eating behaviours. Recommendations for future research are offered.


CONCLUSIONS
Employee wellness programmes should be developed that educate and support nurses to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Health Promotion and Education Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0068, USA. keith.king@uc.edu
Keith A
KA
King
Rebecca
R
Vidourek
Michelle
M
Schwiebert
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001828:Body Image; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009729:Nursing; D009743:Nursing, Practical; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009820:Ohio / Q000453:epidemiology; D011594:Psychometrics; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*