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Food, quality of life and mental health: A cross-sectional study with federal education workers
The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) poses a significant public health challenge, particularly among education workers whose demanding routines can adversely affect their dietary habits. This cross-sectional study involved 1563 employees from the Federal Network of Professional, Scientific, and Technological Education (RFEPCT) in Brazil, utilizing validated instruments to assess eating habits, mental health, and quality of life.
Regular consumption of UPFs was defined as intake on five or more days within the preceding week. The analysis revealed that factors such as female gender, younger age, geographical regions (Southeast and Midwest), dissatisfaction with sleep and body image, physical inactivity, and poor sleep quality were significantly associated with UPF consumption. Furthermore, higher stress levels correlated with increased consumption of soft drinks (PRadj: 2.11; CI: 1.43–3.13), while anxiety was linked to soft drink intake (PRadj: 1.83; CI: 1.24–2.70), and depression was associated with industrialized/ultra-processed salty foods (PRadj: 2.43; CI: 1.82–3.26). Perceptions of poor quality of life were also noted, particularly in the psychological domain, which showed a prevalence ratio of up to 2.32 for the consumption of industrialized/ultra-processed salty foods.
In conclusion, the study underscores the multifaceted nature of factors influencing UPF consumption among education workers, emphasizing the need for institutional policies that promote dietary health, mental well-being, and improved working conditions within the education sector. [NPID: Ultra-processed foods, occupational health, quality of life, mental health]
Year: 2025
