Prediction model for abnormal eating behaviour among hospital nurses: A structural equation modelling approach.

Background: Nurses are at a high risk of developing abnormal eating behaviour. However, few studies have attempted to identify the factors that influence such behaviour. Aim: This study identifies factors that can predict abnormal eating behaviour in hospital nurses. Design This study adopted a cross‐sectional, descriptive correlational research design. Methods: A literature review was used to establish a hypothetical model, comprising the eight factors of shift work, job stress, depression, sleep quality, fatigue, coping strategy (active coping and passive coping) and abnormal eating behaviour. A convenience sample of 298 nurses aged less than 45 was recruited from two university hospitals, and structured questionnaire was administered between March and April 2017. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modelling. Results: Sleep quality and passive coping directly affect abnormal eating behaviour, which implies that poor sleep quality and increased passive coping worsens the behaviour. Shift work and depression indirectly affect abnormal eating behaviours. Conclusion: Nursing managers and health policy makers should adopt strategies such as improving the shift‐work pattern, providing adequate rest time after a night shift and enabling coping strategies by providing educational programs for hospital nurses. Summary Statement: What is already known about this topic? The prevalence of abnormal eating behaviour, a form of eating disorder, has been continually rising in recent years.Nurses may be at high risk of developing abnormal eating behaviour due to their job characteristics.Few previous studies have attempted to identify the factors that influence abnormal eating behaviour among hospital nurses. What this paper adds? In this study, 8% of the participants demonstrated clinical‐level abnormal eating behaviour.Sleep quality and passive coping were the main factors influencing abnormal eating behaviours among hospital nurses.Shift work and depression show significant indirect effects on abnormal eating behaviour among hospital nurses. The implications of this paper: Study findings could inform development of strategies to minimize the impact of nurses' job‐related health risks by verifying the relationship between sleep quality, passive coping and abnormal eating behaviours.It is necessary to examine the various health problems shift work causes for nurses and conduct research to establish strategies that can support policies to improve them.Nursing managers should adopt strategies such as improving the shift‐work pattern, ensuring adequate rest time after a night shift and enabling the use of coping strategies by providing educational programs to hospital nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]