The relationship between job stress level, nutritional status, diet quality and some anthropometric measurements

The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between job stress level and nutritional habits, diet quality, some anthropometric measures. The research was conducted with 34 female and 150 male workers aged 20-65 years serving as administrative staff (AS), cleaning workers (CW) and cooks from different departments of a state university. The general characteristics, nutritional habits and anthropometric measurements of the individuals were obtained by using a questionnaire form. Job stress (JS) and healthy eating attitude (HEA) were determined by likert type scales stated in the form. Healthy eating index (HEI) scores were calculated by 24-hour food consumption record obtained from individuals. The CW had the highest job stress score and the AS had the lowest job strain ratio (p<0,05). Body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR) and waist height ratio (WHtR) were found higher in female CW than the others (p <0,05). The HEI score of the CW was lower than the others (p<0,05). The JS score of the AS was positively correlated with fruit juice and sodium score, and was negatively correlated with the vegetable and protein intake score (p<0,05). There was a negative relationship between JS score and WHtR; work load score and BMI, waist circumference, and WHtR among AS (p<0,05). Animal protein intake of AS and CW's fat, fiber, B1, B2 and C vitamin, niacin, magnesium and iron intake were found to be lower in the presence of job strain (p<0.05). While 57,6% of the individuals had a high score on the scale of HEA, this ratio was 72,4% in AS (p<0,05). In conclusion, JS is a factor affecting the nutritional qualities and body composition of individuals. It is necessary to develop strategies to gain healthy eating habits at work and reduce JS