The Impact of Shift Work on Dietary Intake and Healt

The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the dietary intake among shift workers. Diets of each participant were compared to MyPlate's daily recommendations for fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy to determine what percent of shift workers met their recommended number of servings for each of the five food groups. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, and/or abdominal pains) and weight gain were also examined within this study to identify how often and how many shift workers experienced GI symptoms and have noticed weight gain during their time working overnight shifts. Participants were 25 shift workers, aged 18 years or older, from Erie County. Dietary intake was collected and analyzed using the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour (ASA24) Dietary Assessment Tool. The results from the study revealed shift working men aged 19--30 were more likely to exceed their daily needs for all food groups aside from grains. Shift working women, from both age groups, were less likely to meet their daily needs for all food groups aside from protein foods. Overall, an average of 56% of participants reported experiencing no gastrointestinal symptoms. Weight gain was reported by 52% of the participants while 48% reported no weight gain. The results of this study suggest that the impact of shift work on nutrient intakes differed by age and gender and was positive for presence of GI symptoms in shift workers. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between shiftwork and dietary intake/health to provide an effective intervention for overnight workers.