Burnout, Fat Intake, and Body Mass Index in Health Professionals Working in a Public Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Burnout can have a negative influence on dietary intake, promoting unhealthy eating behaviors in health care workers. This study determined the association between burnout, saturated fat intake, and body mass index (BMI) in a group of health care workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 health professionals residing in Rioja, Department of San Martin, Peru. Data were collected through an online and face-to-face survey. Burnout was assessed using a scale adapted and validated in the Peruvian population. Additionally, a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess habitual fat intake. Both instruments were validated and adapted to the Peruvian population. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and multivariate logistic regression. Values of P < .05 were considered statistically significant. In the adjusted model, it was found that, for each extra point on intake scale, an average of 1.10 (95% CI, 0.57-1.62, P < .001) points increased burnout scale; these results persisted when compared by gender, 1.17 0.49 1.85, and 1.08 0.16 2.00, respectively female male genders. there no association between bmi ( P > .05). Future programs and interventions should be considered to minimize the effects of burnout on unhealthy food intake in health care workers in Peru to ensure better medical care by health care professionals on behalf of patients.