Perceived Factors on Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Worklife among Nurses in Eastern Pangasinan: Basis for Health Promotion Plan
Vernadene Paras1, Catherine D.G Torio2
https://orcid.org/0009- 0004- 1997-16131, https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7025-52712,
pvernadene@gmail.com1, cathytorio@gmail.com2
Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation Inc.1-2
San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54476/ioer-imrj/094148
ABSTRACT
This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to determine the perceived factors on lifestyle behaviors and quality of work-life among nurses in Eastern Pangasinan as a basis for a health promotion plan. Specifically, it examined the nurses’ demographic and professional profiles, their perceptions of factors influencing lifestyle behaviors and quality of work-life, and the relationships between these variables. The respondents were nurses working in selected healthcare facilities in Eastern Pangasinan. A quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design was employed, and data were gathered using a structured survey questionnaire to assess nurses’ perceptions and experiences related to lifestyle behaviors and quality of work-life. The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents are young, single, female nurses with limited experience in public hospitals working rotating shifts. These nurses recognize that their work schedule, lack of physical activity, poor diet, sleep quality, and emotional well-being increase their risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Specifically, early-career nurses are vulnerable to burnout and physical symptoms, public hospital nurses face restrictive environments with poor nutrition as a major risk due to time constraints, and female nurses experience unique sleep and emotional challenges. Despite being aware of the risks, these nurses lack the support to make positive lifestyle changes. Based on the findings, it is recommended that healthcare facilities should explore more consistent or shorter work schedules, like reducing the frequency of irregular rotating shifts, which could help nurses maintain regular eating schedules, improve circadian consistency, and ensure they have enough time to recover between shifts. Public hospitals, in particular, should prioritize the availability of healthy food options within the immediate work environment. Enhanced physical activity support in order to combat the time poverty and fatigue that prevent exercise, hospitals should provide on-site fitness facilities or safe spaces for physical activity, emotional well-being, and mental health programs.
Keywords: Lifestyle Behaviors, Quality of Worklife, Nurses, Health Promotion Plan
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