Work hours and perceived time barriers to healthful eating among young adults

Am J Health Behav. 2012 Nov;36(6):786-96. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.36.6.6.

Abstract

Objective: To describe time-related beliefs and behaviors regarding healthful eating, indicators of dietary intake, and their associations with the number of weekly hours of paid work among young adults.

Methods: Population-based study in a diverse cohort (N=2287).

Results: Working > 40 hours per week was associated with time-related barriers to healthful eating most persistently among young adult men. Associations were found among females working both part-time and > 40 hours per week with both time-related barriers and dietary intake.

Conclusions: Findings indicate that intervention strategies, ideally those addressing time burden, are needed to promote healthful eating among young, working adults.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet
  • Diet Surveys
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Minnesota
  • Time Factors
  • Workload*
  • Young Adult