Lifestyles and Health-Related Outcomes of U.S. Hospital Nurses: A Systematic Review

Background Nurses’ modifiable lifestyles have important health-related consequences. Purpose To examine the literature on U.S. hospital nurses’ activity, diet, and health outcomes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Method A systematic review using of the literature from June 2006 to June 2016 resulted in 13 studies on U.S. hospital nurses’ diet, physical activity and CVD and HRQOL outcomes. Methodological rigor was assessed using Cummings et al., adapted quality rating tool. Discussion Nurses are at risk for poor health outcomes due to inadequate physical activity (60%–74%) and eating a poor quality diet (53%–61%). Fewer than 5% of U.S. nurses engage in five healthy lifestyle behaviors (diet, activity, no tobacco, alcohol, and weight). Adequate physical activity contributes to better HRQOL and a healthy diet reduces CVD risks (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, stroke). Conclusions Nurses’ inactivity and poor diet increases risks for CVD and diminished HRQOL.