ABSTRACT
Human dietary preferences and choices are the end result of the interaction of biological, psychological, cultural, economic and social parameters. Eating disorders are a major issue nowadays and the number of people affected is constantly increasing. Various factors influence nurses’ healthy eating patterns in the workplace, such as overtime work, cyclical work hours, job stress, the physical work environment, food options offered by hospital canteens, and social factors. Reduced monthly income has a negative effect on nurses’ eating habits. Financially challenged nurses are unable to purchase healthy food, especially after the rampant rise in food prices caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet patients’ needs, nurses often cut back on meals, which affects their eating habits. Nurses constantly express the need for a calm and dignified place to eat and rest. Quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic has been blamed for changes in eating habits, weight gain and increased consumption of sweets and snacks. These changes in dietary habits have significant implications for the health impact of the population during the pandemic. Policy makers should ensure that nurses have the necessary time to eat lunch. Nursing departments should implement programs to promote the health of nurses, where their weight will be controlled and special dietary patterns will be given, as well as psychological support to reduce work-related stress.
Key words: nutrition, nurses, pandemic, habits, COVID-19
