Barriers to healthy eating by National Health Service (NHS) hospital doctors in the hospital setting: results of a cross-sectional survey
2008

Barriers to Healthy Eating Among NHS Doctors

Sample size: 328 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Winston James, Carol Johnson, Sue Wilson

Primary Institution: University of Birmingham

Hypothesis

What factors prevent NHS doctors from eating healthily in the hospital setting?

Conclusion

Doctors perceive a lack of support for healthy eating in their work environment, primarily due to inadequate canteen options and opening times.

Supporting Evidence

  • 70% of doctors reported using their hospital canteen each week.
  • Only 12% felt the NHS was supportive of healthy eating.
  • 74% did not feel their canteen advocated healthy eating.

Takeaway

Doctors want to eat healthy food at work, but they find it hard because the canteen doesn't have enough good options and is not open at the right times.

Methodology

Cross-sectional survey of NHS doctors using a questionnaire to identify barriers to healthy eating and satisfaction with canteen services.

Potential Biases

Self-reported data may be subject to social desirability and recall bias.

Limitations

The response rate was 43.7%, which may introduce responder bias, and the sample may not fully represent all job grades.

Participant Demographics

Doctors from two NHS Trusts, with a variety of job grades and specialties.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-0500-1-69

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