Work Environment, Mental Health, and Eating Behavior in Mexican Nurses

Abstract

Nursing staff in public hospitals face highly demanding working conditions, which are related to mental health and eating problems. The current study aimed to identify the most frequent work characteristics associated with mental health problems and eating behavior in nursing staff. A cross-sectional study was performed on a random sample of 190 nurses at a specialized hospital in Mexico City. Work characteristics, mental health problems (stress, depression, and anxiety), emotional eating, and loss-of-control eating were measured using standardized scales. Associations among relevant work variables and mental health and eating behavior were assessed using logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. High prevalence of stress (28%), depression (35%), anxiety (33%), emotional eating (27%), and loss-of-control eating (38%) were found. These mental health problems have been associated with variables related to work overload, little appreciation of work, and exposure to the suffering and death of patients. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60 (1), 31–37.]