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Eating habits of surgical intensive care nurses during shifts: a mixed-methods investigation of food craving, acceptance and eating behaviours
The nutritional habits of surgical intensive care nurses are significantly affected by their shift work, raising concerns about health-related behaviors. Irregular working hours, alongside a demanding workload and limited access to nutritious food, often lead to unhealthy eating practices among these healthcare professionals.
The objective of this study was to examine food cravings, acceptance of food options, and overall eating behaviors in surgical intensive care nurses during their shifts. Conducted at two hospitals in northern Türkiye, the research employed a mixed-methods framework comprising quantitative and qualitative approaches.
The study’s design featured a concurrent sequential nested mixed-methods strategy. Quantitative data were gathered from 159 nurses using various tools, including a Personal Information Form, the Food Craving Questionnaire, the Acceptance of Food Craving Scale, and the Eating Behaviour Scale. These data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Following this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 nurses, and thematic analysis was used to interpret the qualitative data. This integration of qualitative and quantitative findings provided a holistic view of nurses’ eating habits during their shifts.
Quantitative results revealed that participants exhibited moderate levels of food acceptance and a willingness to consume available food. However, there were challenges in maintaining a regular and balanced diet while on duty. Insights from the qualitative phase indicated that irregular meal patterns were primarily driven by shift schedules, high workloads, and fatigue. Furthermore, the nurses identified barriers such as the limited availability of healthy and affordable food options, enriching the understanding of their eating behaviors.
In conclusion, the findings suggest that shift work leads to notable shifts in eating behaviors among surgical intensive care nurses. Environmental and organizational factors are pivotal in influencing their nutritional practices.
In clinical practice, improving access to nutritious food and providing structured meal options could significantly improve nurses’ well-being, thereby supporting optimal workforce performance and enhancing the quality of care. [NPID: Shift work, nurses, eating behaviors, eating habits, performance, workload]
Year: 2026
