Abstract
Qualitative study of Queensland paramedics' perceived influences on their food and meal choices during shift work
Nutrition & Dietetics, Vol.73(Supplement 1), pp.52-52
Dietitians Association of Australia National Conference, 33rd (Melbourne, Australia, 19-May-2016–21-May-2016)
2016
Abstract
Paramedics have higher rates of obesity, overweight and dyslipidaemia,compared to the general population. Studies investigating the nutri-tional health of other types of shift workers found their ability to achievea healthy diet appeared to be influenced by the nature of their work;however, these ï¬ndings cannot be generalised to paramedics, who areambulance based and respond to emergencies over a wide geographicalarea. The research on paramedics' eating behaviours and influences onfood choice is limited. This study aimed to explore paramedics' per-ceived influences on their food choices speciï¬c to their unique workingenvironment. A qualitative study using individual semi-structured tel-ephone inter views was conducted on a purposive sample of 15 para-medics working on a rotating shift roster in Queensland. Transcribedinterviews were analysed manually using open coding inductive the-matic analysis. A conceptual model was developed that illustrated fourmajor themes of influences on food choices. These themes were physi-ological, psychosocial, the physical environment and the organisationalenvironment. Of signiï¬cant influence on the participants' food choice unique to their work, was the meal break structure and being ambu-lance based for the majority of their shift. These influences are createdby the environmental influences in which they work and result inextended periods of not eating or opportunistic eating. This has impli-cations on their ability to make healthy food choices. Further investi-gation into strategies to enable paramedics to improve food choicewithin their unique work environment is warranted in light of thenutrition-related diseases found within this group.
Details
- Title
- Qualitative study of Queensland paramedics' perceived influences on their food and meal choices during shift work
- Authors
- Stephanie Anstey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringJudith Tweedie (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringBill Lord (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Nutrition & Dietetics, Vol.73(Supplement 1), pp.52-52
- Conference details
- Dietitians Association of Australia National Conference, 33rd (Melbourne, Australia, 19-May-2016–21-May-2016)
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
- Date published
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1111/1747-0080.12775
- ISSN
- 1446-6368; 1446-6368
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; External; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451187402621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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