Evaluation of Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Attitudes and Nutrient Intakes of Nurses Working in Kyungnam Area

Youn, Hyun Sook; Choi, Yun Young; Lee, Kyung Hea

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the dietary attitudes and nutrient intakes of nurses. A total of 291 nurses working at hospitals in the Kyungnam area participated in the study. The general characteristics and dietary attitudes of the subjects were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire, and nutrient intakes was examined using one-day 24-hour recall method. The results were as follows : 67.7 percent of the subjects were nurses, 32.3% were nursing assistants. Average age of the subjects was 26.9 years old, average nursing experience was 5.7 years, and 70.7% of the subjects graduated from junior college. The rates of shift work (45.4%) and non-shift work (54.6%) were similar, and 91.5% of subjects worked on a three-shift a day schedule. The average nutrition knowledge score was 14.3+/-2.5 out of a possible 20 points. Most of the nurses had experienced dietary problems such as skipping meals and overeating. Sixty-eight point three percent of the nurses had breakfast less than 3 times a week, and the main reason for skipping meals was a lack of time. Most of the nurses (74.1%) didn't exercise regularly. The average score on dietary habits was 55.6 out of 100, and most of the subjects belonged to the 'fair' group in terms of dietary habits. Married nurses, and those over 31 years of age, scored significantly higher on dietary habits than unmarried nurses, and those under 25 years of age (p<0.001), and the scores significantly increased with increasing age. Mean daily carbohydrate and fat intake was 231.5+/-66.1 g, 41.1+/-18.8 g, and cholesterol and crude fiber intake was 238.2+/-184.6 mg, 5.2+/-2.0 g. respectively. Compared with the recommended allowances, the energy (1560.0+/-448.5 kcal), calcium (453.8+/-222.3 mg) iron (10.6+/-7.6 mg), vitamin A (658.5+/-538.1 R.E) and vitamin B2 (0.96+/-0.5 mg) figures were below the Korean RDA, and the protein (65.9+/-31.0 g), vitamin B1, (1.14+/-0.5 mg), vitamin C (143.2+/-119.6 mg), niacin (14.4+/-6.3 mg) and phosphorus (958.1+/-352.1 mg) figures were above the Korean RDA. The average carbohydrate, protein, fat ratio of energy intake was 60:17:23. The intake ratio of Ca and P showed an unbalance of 1:2. The dietary habits had a positive correlation (p<0.001) with nutrition intake except vitamin A and vitamin C. Therefore, In order to improve overall dietary behavior and nutritional status, systematic nutrition education programs should be developed.