THE EFFECT OF WORKING IN SHIFTS ON THE NUTRITION HABITS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM PARAMEDICS

Abstract

Aim: Paramedics carry out their work duties in a shift system. Shift work is related to a multitude of health complications, disrupting their biological habits and natural rhythm, impeding their private life and negatively affecting nutrition and the quality of sleep. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the effect of shift work on the nutrition habits of paramedics. Material and methods: The study was carried out in the period between in 2019 using diagnostic survey methodology among a group of 238 paramedics from mobile Emergency Response Teams of the Mazovian voivodeship. The mean age of the participants was 39.03±9.27 years for males and 31.93±7.76 years for females. In order to examine the differences between the groups, the χ2 test was used with an established statistical significance level of p <0.05. Results: Among the paramedics, the mean value of BMI was at a level of 24.99±3.36.56.30% (n = 134) of the participants indicated exhibiting improper nutrition habits. As the research found, the reasons for the improper nutrition habits in this occupational group are primarily shift work (151; 63.44%) and hurry (87; 36.54%). Conclusions: In order to minimize the possible health consequences related to the nutrition habits of paramedics, it seems essential to incorporate issues concerning the rules of proper nutrition in the health education process, as well as continuously monitoring their condition as part of occupational medicine practice.