Does daily energy and macronutrient intake differ between work and non-workdays in shift workers? A mixed methods study

Seventy-nine shift-working nurses reported differences in eating behavior between day and night shifts, despite no significant variation in daily energy intake.

• Daily energy intake did not significantly differ between work and non-workdays for both day and night shift nurses.
• No significant differences were found in macronutrient consumption between day and night shift workers.
• Sugar intake was higher on non-workdays prior to the first workday for day shift workers compared to night shift workers.
• Participants indicated that their eating habits were influenced by food availability, convenience, and social factors.
• Qualitative interviews revealed perceived differences in eating behaviors between day and night shifts, even without statistical differences in energy intake.

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