ABSTRACT

Background: The risk of COVID-19 infection towards healthcare workers (HCW) due to occupational exposure remains significantly high. Intervention such as healthy diet has been recommended to maintain optimal immune system. HCWs are expected to implement the recommendations especially in this new normal era. However, there has not been research to assess this implementation by HCWs in Soerojo Hospital Magelang.

Objective: To describe the dietary patterns and dietary habits of healthcare workers in Soerojo Hospital in the new normal adaptation.

Method: Quantitative descriptive data of HCWs in Soerojo Hospital Magelang (n=265) using validated dietary pattern questionnaire and Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ). The data were obtained from June to July 2022 using online survey. The data were analyzed through univariate analysis.

Results: HCW eats 3 times a day (68%), often eats breakfast (61%), often eats snacks between meals (75%), eats fruits 3-5 times a week (54%), vegetables (64%), often drinks water after meals (85%), and has rare supplement intake (91%). Based on ABEQ, HCW is prone towards food approach.

Conclusion: HCWs in Soerojo Hospital has not implemented the recommended healthy diet based on Indonesia Health Ministry’s recommendations and shows a food approach trait that increases the risk of overweight.

Keywords: Healthcare workers, Dietary habits, Dietary patterns, AEBQ, COVID-19, New normal