Assessment of nutritional status in the working population based on sex and physical activity level

BACKGROUND: To enhance the effectiveness of preventive measures and determine the need for their optimization, the prevalence and control of modifiable risk factors—among which nutrition plays a significant role—are of considerable importance.

AIM: To assess the nutritional status of the working population based on sex and physical activity level.

METHODS: The dietary status of 1183 employed individuals was assessed in a cross-sectional study. Two groups were formed: manual workers (n=731) and office employees (n=452). Dietary patterns, food intake frequency, the proportions of major macronutrients in the total daily caloric intake, and the intake of saturated fats, free sugars, and fiber were assessed with consideration of sex and physical activity level. Markers of metabolic status were also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 10 software with the Mann–Whitney and Pearson’s chi-squared tests based on contingency tables. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The frequency of consumption of basic food products did not differ significantly between the groups of manual workers and office employees. The proportion of protein intake was higher in men than in women: 15.1 [13.0; 17.6] and 14.0 [11.6; 16.9], respectively (p <0.001, Mann–Whitney test); the proportion of carbohydrates was lower in men than in women: 46.6 [39.1; 52.7] and 48.9 [39.8; 55.2], respectively (p=0.022, Mann–Whitney test); no statistically significant difference was observed in fat intake between the groups. Regardless of physical activity level, energy intake was insufficient across all groups. Among men, office employees had a higher prevalence of obesity (p=0.002) and hypertension (p <0.001), as well as more individuals with total protein levels below reference values (p=0.011) and total cholesterol, atherogenic index, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels above reference values (p <0.001 for all). Among women, the prevalence of obesity and hypertension was comparable between manual workers and office employees. However, female manual workers had more individuals with total protein levels outside reference values, and levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides higher than reference values (p <0.001 for all). Female office employees had more individuals with lower albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p <0.001 and p=0.011, respectively), and higher HbA1c levels (p=0.004) than reference values.

CONCLUSION: The assessment of the nutritional status of the working population, taking into account sex and physical activity level, along with the low awareness of healthy eating principles, should be considered when developing preventive measures, as well as corporate and educational programs on healthy eating aimed at preserving health, improving quality of life, and maintaining professional longevity.