Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking are considered important lifestyle factors that are related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. The current study aimed to identify the relationship between eating and exercise behaviors and predicted risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among nurses at Alexandria Main University Hospital. A descriptive correlational approach method with convenient sampling was used in the present study. Three tools were used; Tool 1: A structure interview questionnaire, which included four parts: Part I:Nurses’ socio-demographic characteristics Part II aimed to assess nurses’ life style behaviors as smoking and physical, and daily life activities .Part III included the Rapid Eating Assessment of nurses (REAP) tool, it aimed to assess the intake of whole grains, calcium-rich foods, fruits and vegetables, fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, sugar-containing foods, and sodium. Part IV included Eating Behaviors Inventory (EBI) which assessed both positive and adaptive weight management behaviors. Tool 2:This included two parts, Part 1: Anthropometric measurements including body height, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference, in addition to biochemical measurement were taken. The diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) was obtained based on the American Heart Association/update. Part 2: Predicted Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk assessment.10-year risk prediction for CVD using FRAMINGHAM RISK SCORE (FRS.) was specifically used. Results: It was found that high Framingham risk score (FRS) was detected among obese nurses and the prevalence of MetS was also significantly high among nurses with high FRS. Also, the significant inverse relation between the REAP dietary score and FRS was noticed. The eating habits that were common among nurses with high FRS included skipping breakfast, frequent eating outside home, frequent consumption of commercially prepared pastries and sugar sweetened beverages. Three quarters of nurses with high FRS described their work activity as being light to moderate. Few nurses reported walking as a method of transportation which was significantly correlated with lower FRS. This study recommended development of nurses' health behaviors that have direct impact to patients’ health |
