Trends in Diet Quality and Related Sociodemographic, Health, and Occupational Characteristics among Workers in Spain: Results from Three Consecutive National Health Surveys (2006–2017)

Abstract

Poor dietary practices are commonly reported in working populations from different economic sectors, resulting in increased absenteeism and a decrease in productivity. The aims of this study were to describe the frequency of food consumption and diet quality in workers aged ≥16 years from 2006 to 2017 in Spain and to evaluate the factors associated with diet quality. A nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out among workers using data from the Spanish National Health Surveys in 2006 (n = 11,068), 2011 (n = 7497) and 2017 (n = 8890). Sociodemographic, occupational, and health-related variables were used as well as diet quality data. A multiple linear regression was performed to determine the characteristics related to overall diet quality. The percentage of workers who consumed vegetables, at most, once or twice per week decreased from 2006 to 2017 (p < 0.001). A lower diet quality score was related to the consumption of tobacco and alcohol and being aged ≥25 years old, while a higher diet quality score was linked to being a woman, having Spanish nationality, receiving optimal perceived social support, being physically active in one’s main occupation, doing leisure-time physical activity, and the type of contract.

Temporary Employment Is Associated with Poor Dietary Quality in Middle-Aged Workers in Korea: A Nationwide Study Based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, 2013–2021

“…Our findings are consistent with those of previous studies showing that temporary employment is associated with unfavorable dietary habits among workers. A similar finding was observed in a cross-sectional study conducted in Spain, where temporary employment showed an inverse association with the Spanish Healthy Eating Index, whereas civil servants and those in permanent employment exhibited a direct association compared to individuals with ongoing contracts [15]. Moreover, previous Korean studies have demonstrated associations between temporary employment and dietary behaviors such as skipping meals, eating alone, and not using nutritional supplements [16,35].…”

“…Previous studies have shown that those experiencing high job insecurity are more likely to rely on health risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking and alcohol misuse as coping strategies to reduce stress [7,13,14]. Similarly, job insecurity among temporary employees may make them less likely to prepare or consume healthy meals, and individuals may opt to skip meals or consume junk food [15,16,35]. Additionally, high job demands and low resources are core components of job stress experienced by temporary employees, which may shape the dietary habits of workers [36].…”

“…While poor dietary quality is a major contributor to cardiovascular risk factors, the existing literature has limited evidence regarding the relationship between temporary employment and dietary habits. A Spanish study found that temporary employment is associated with a lower Spanish Healthy Eating Index [15]. A Korean study showed that those with temporary employment were more likely to have unfavorable dietary habits, such as skipping meals and eating alone [16].…”

Association of main meal quality index with the odds of metabolic syndrome in Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study

“…Based on the socioeconomic findings of our study, women, illiterate participants, smokers, housekeeping wives, and married individuals had a higher quality of lunch, insignificantly. In a survey of Spanish workers, being male and smoking tobacco was associated with a lower-quality of diet ( 56 ). In another study on Iranian adults, a higher quality of eating was positively associated with education, being a woman, and reversely associated with smoking and marriage ( 57 ).…”