Exploration of the individual, social and environmental factors influencing dietary behaviour in shift workers with type 2 diabetes working in UK healthcare—The Shift‐Diabetes Study: A qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework

Abstract

AbstractAimTo identify factors influencing dietary behaviour in shift workers with type 2 diabetes (T2D) working in UK healthcare settings.MethodsSemi‐structured qualitative interviews based on the theoretical domains framework (TDF) were conducted with a convenience sample (n = 15) of shift workers (32–59 years) diagnosed with T2D who worked night shifts as part of a mixed shift schedule. The TDF was applied to analyse transcripts using a combined deductive framework and inductive thematic analysis approach. Identified influences were mapped to the behaviour change technique taxonomy to identify potential strategies to change dietary behaviour in this context.ResultsKey barriers to healthy dietary behaviours were access and cost of food available during night work (TDF domain: Environment Context and Resources). Factors identified as both enablers and barriers included: availability of staff facilities and time to take a break, (Environment Context and Resources), the physical impact of night work (Beliefs About Consequences), eating in response to stress or tiredness (Emotion), advance planning of meals/food and taking own food to work (Behavioural Regulation). Potential techniques to address these influences and improve dietary behaviour in this context include: meal planning templates, self‐monitoring and biofeedback, and increasing accessibility and availability of healthier food choices during night shifts.ConclusionsThe dietary behaviour of shift workers with T2D is influenced by interacting individual, socio‐cultural and environmental factors. Intervention should focus on environmental restructuring and strategies that enable monitoring and meal planning.