DIET, OTHER HEALTH-RELATED BEHAVIOURS, AND THE WELL-BEING OF NURSES

Andrew P. Smith*

ABSTRACT

Background: Our previous research has examined the associations of health-related behaviours (HRBs) with well-being outcomes in samples of students. In these studies, well-being was measured with the well-being process questionnaire (WPQ), and this was continued in a survey of nurses. Diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, and sleep were also measured. Methods: An online survey of 170 nurses was carried out. The survey asked about well-being and HRBs in the last six months. Results: Univariate analyses showed that HRBs were associated with well-being outcomes. Positive well-being was associated with higher fruit consumption, more frequent breakfast consumption, longer hours of sleep, higher tea consumption, not smoking, lower chocolate intake, lower cola consumption, and not being an emotional eater. Negative well-being was associated with the opposite HRB profile. When established predictors of well-being were included in the regression model, most of the associations between HRBs and well-being outcomes were no longer significant. The exceptions were frequent fruit and breakfast consumption and positive well-being, and short sleep and negative well-being. Conclusion: Health-related behaviours were associated with well-being and outcomes. These associations were generally not significant when established predictors of well-being and health were included in the analyses. Indeed, only the associations between breakfast and fruit consumption and positive well-being, and negative well-being and short sleep, remained significant. These results confirm findings from surveys of students. Further research with longitudinal designs and interventions is required to identify causality and underlying mechanisms.

Keywords: Nurses; Well-being; Health Related Behaviours; Diet; Exercise; Sleep; Breakfast; Fruit; Cola; Energy Drinks; Coffee; Tea.