Zwyczaje zywieniowe osob pracujacych w systemie zmianowym a stan ich zdrowia (Eating behavior of shift workers and their health condition)

Employees eating irregularly have a significantly reduced psychomotor performance, which affects their work efficiency. Shift workers encounter difficulties that prevent them from having a balanced diet. For this reason, they are particularly exposed to an increased risk of disorders, such as excessive body weight, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, sleep and digestion disorders. The aim of the study was to analyze the habits and dietary preferences of shift workers, and to examine the correlation between the eating behaviors of employees and their health condition. Based on a review of the literature the aim of this study was to establish a correlation between employees’ nutritional behaviours and their efficiency and effectiveness at work. The study included 79 shift workers, residents of the Podkarpackie Province. The author’s questionnaire, consisting of 34 questions, was used to conduct the study. The diet of shift workers differed from the rational principles of nutrition. Regularity of meals was dependent on the nature of the work. During daily shifts, employees were fed more regularly than during the night hours. A high percentage of respondents were employees who consumed meals in fast food bars. A high consumption of red meat and highly processed snacks was found. In own research, 32% of workers declared that they eat healthy. Frequent occurrence of food problems and cardiovascular diseases has been demonstrated. In order to increase the awareness of shift workers, it would be a good undertaking to introduce campaigns and educational programs.