Factores motivacionales que influyen en la elección de los alimentos en el personal de salud

Abstract

• Lifestyle habits directly influence physical and emotional health, and healthcare personnel are not exempt from the consequences of inadequate lifestyles. This issue affects both their well-being and work performance, making it necessary to understand the factors that determine food choices. Objective: To determine the motivational factors influencing food selection among healthcare personnel in the city of Medellín. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with 83 participants from the healthcare sector (nursing assistants, nurses, physicians, therapists, and physiotherapists) working rotating shifts. The modified Food Motivation Survey (TEMS) was applied, assessing 11 dimensions of food motivation using a Likert scale. A descriptive analysis was performed using measures of central tendency and frequency in Excel. The study was classified as minimal risk and included informed consent and institutional ethical approval. Results: Among participants, 65.1% were women. Taste or pleasure (85.5%), habits (54.2%), and health (48.2%) were the main food motivators. In contrast, price (53%) and convenience (45.8%) were predominant among moderate motivators. Participants with a normal BMI showed low food motivation (100%), while those with overweight or obesity demonstrated greater willingness to change. Conclusions: Healthcare personnel exhibit eating habits influenced by both occupational and personal factors. Although pleasure remains the predominant motive for food choice, motivation toward healthy eating is low. These findings highlight the need for institutional strategies that promote self-care and foster healthy workplace environments.