Objective: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) which is formed by the combination of many factors such as biological, psychological and social factors, reduce the quality of life by affecting food choices. To evaluate the relationship between ON and physical activity status with food selection and quality of life among healthcare personnel at Balıkesir State Hospital in Türkiye.
Methods: Sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional status, “ Orthorexia Nervosa Rating Scale (ORTO-15 Scale),” “International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)”, “Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-27)”, “Food Consumption Frequency (FFQ)”, and “3-Day Food Consumption Record Form (2 weekdays-1 weekend day)” administered in person to 400 participants.
Results: The participants exhibited signs of orthorexia in 80.2% of cases. Other healthcare professionals were most active group (22.5%), while doctors were most inactive (29.7%). Healthcare workers with orthorexic tendencies frequently consumed water, beverages, and dairy products, whereas individuals with typical eating habits commonly consumed fats. Very active health workers most frequently consume fats, inactive nurses and doctors consume water and beverages, and inactive health workers consume milk. Physical activity status affects quality of life, and as “IPAQ Total” scores increased, “General Health Status”, “Physical Health” and “Environment” sub-factor scores of WHOQOL-27 increased (p<.05). ON also affects quality of life, and as the “Food Choice, Eating Attitudes and Behaviours” sub-factor scores of ORTO-15 increase, the “Social Relationships” sub-factor score of WHOQOL-27 increases (p<.05). As the “Food Choice and Value” sub-factor
scores of ORTO-15 increase, the “Physical Health” sub-factor scores of WHOQOL-27 decrease (p<.05).
Conclusion: The high workload and stress of healthcare workers, along with poor working conditions, have led to a low quality of life and their food choices have impacted their quality of life.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Clinical Nutrition |
Journal Section | Articles |
Authors | |
Early Pub Date | October 15, 2024 |
Publication Date | |
Submission Date | July 9, 2024 |
Acceptance Date | September 23, 2024 |
Published in Issue | Year 2024 Volume: 14 Issue: 4 |