Marina Bakar, Vilma Kolarić, Dario Rahelić

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.64332/ujbb.25.1.3

Abstract
Background: A proper diet plays a major role in preserving the quality of life and health for each individual. For healthcare workers, shift work can result in irregular and poor-quality dietary intake, which can lead to the development of health problems and chronic diseases.

Aim: This study aimed to analyse dietary habits among healthcare workers based on their work schedules (morning shifts vs. rotating/shift work) using validated dietary assessment tools.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 in various departments of the Merkur Clinical Hospital. A total of 147 participants (physicians, nurses, and healthcare assistants) were surveyed using two validated instruments: the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS). Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to compare dietary patterns between groups, with p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in dessert consumption, with morning shift workers consuming sweets more frequently (M = 3.67, SD = 2.39) than shift workers (M = 2.70, SD = 2.21; p < 0.05). In contrast, shift workers consumed significantly more wine than morning shift workers (M = 1.04, SD = 1.71 vs. M = 0.41, SD = 0.75; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that work schedules are associated with distinct dietary patterns among healthcare workers. Morning shift workers show a preference for sweets, while shift workers consume more alcohol. These results highlight the need for targeted workplace dietary interventions, including improved access to healthy meals and strategies to promote balanced eating across all shifts.

Keywords: dietary habits, healthcare workers, rotating/shift work, morning shifts, Mediterranean Diet