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Evaluation of the relationship between job stress level, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and phytochemical index
Understanding the implications of job stress on dietary habits and health is crucial. This study examines how stress levels among factory workers correlate with adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the phytochemical index (PI).
Data were collected from 200 healthy participants aged 18-50 at the Tuzla Gum Factory. Methodologies included demographic and dietary questionnaires, two-day 24-hour food records, assessments of PI values, and anthropometric measurements. Job stress was evaluated using the Job Stress Scale, while adherence to the Mediterranean diet was gauged through the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Questionnaire.
Findings revealed that individuals experiencing high job stress exhibited significantly increased waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index (BMI), with p-values below 0.01. Notably, unskilled workers reported higher stress levels than professionals, with a p-value < 0.01. Gender differences were evident in dietary intake; males showed significant variations in carbohydrate and fiber consumption, while females differed significantly in energy, protein, carbohydrate, and vitamin A intake across stress levels (p < 0.01).
Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in Mediterranean diet adherence between those with medium and high stress. However, a notable gender disparity emerged, with women achieving higher adherence and PI scores than men (p < 0.01). Managers demonstrated better dietary adherence compared to service-sales and technical staff (p < 0.01). Moreover, individuals experiencing medium stress scored higher on PI compared to those facing high stress (p < 0.05), and those with a higher BMI also had elevated PI scores in contrast to participants with a normal BMI (p < 0.01).
The conclusions drawn indicate that job stress significantly impacts both dietary habits and physical health markers. Implementing effective stress management techniques could enhance adherence to the Mediterranean diet and improve phytochemical intake. To foster healthier eating habits, workplace strategies are recommended. [NPID: Job stress, dietary habits, phytochemical, Mediterranean]
Year: 2026
