The Relationship Between Nutritional Status and Cognitive Functions of Shift Health Workers

Abstract

Objective: In this study was aimed to determine the nutritional status, and to evaluate the cognitive functions of healthcare workers working shifts and the ones not working shifts.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between July and August 2021 100 volunteers (shift: 50, non-shift: 50) between the ages of 25 and 50. Socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional status and cognitive functions of individuals were evaluated.

Results: The mean age of individuals is 36.2 +/- 6.82 years. It was determined that individuals working shifts drank alcohol, had chronic diseases and skipped meals at a higher rate than individuals who worked non-shifts. Additionally, it was observed that individuals working shifts had less daily water consumption and more coffee and tea consumption than non-shift individuals (p<0.05). It was determined that women working shifts had a higher body mass index (BMI) than women who worked non-shifts (p<0.05). The cognitive assessment score of individuals in the normal BMI range (25.9 +/- 2.54) was statistically significantly higher than that of obese individuals (24.2 +/- 2.93) (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the Montreal cognitive asssessment scale score and dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6, vitamin E, vitamin K in shift workers.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the cognitive assessment scores of shift workers were lower than those of non-shift workers. We observed that the shift work system also creates significant differences in terms of eating habits and nutritional status.