Table 4

Multivariable analysis of individual and workplace factors independently associated with dietary behaviours and physical activity levels of shift workers (n=1300)*

VariablesFruit/vegintake
≥5 servings/day†
Wholegrain intake
≥1 serving/day†
Soft drink intake
≥1 serving/week†
Physical activity
≥150 minutes/week‡
(n=522)(n=512)(n=487)(n=509)
P valueaOR (95% CI)P valueaOR (95% CI)P valueaOR (95% CI)P valueaOR (95% CI)
Gender (ref: female) Male<0.0010.55 (0.40 to 0.74)N/Ans1.29 (0.93 to 1.80)N/A
Age category
(ref: 18–34 years)§
 Middle-aged (35–54 years)N/Ans0.93 (0.70 to 1.24)<0.0010.50 (0.34 to 0.73)0.0120.65 (0.46 to 0.91)
 Older age (55–65 years)N/Ans1.27 (0.87 to 1.86)<0.0010.33 (0.18 to 0.59)ns0.74 (0.46 to 1.18)
BMI (ref: normal)¶
 Overweight/obesens0.80 (0.61 to 1.07)N/AN/AN/A
SES (ref: ABC1) C2DE**0.0460.75 (0.57 to 0.99)N/AN/AN/A
Vending machines (ref: None)
 Available at WorkN/AN/A0.0031.64 (1.18 to 2.27)0.0250.71 (0.52 to 0.96)
Break time adequate
(ref: agree)††
 DisagreeN/AN/AN/A0.0260.69 (0.49 to 0.96)
Satisfied with healthy food
availability (ref: agree)‡‡
 DisagreeN/AN/Ans1.01 (0.71 to 1.44)N/A
Workplace helps lead a
healthy lifestyle (ref: agree)§§
 Disagree0.0280.73 (0.55 to 0.97)N/A0.0471.43 (1.01 to 2.04)ns0.75 (0.55 to 1.02)
  • Significant ORs (p<0.05) are denoted in bold font (these remained significantly associated with the outcome of interest after multivariable analysis)

  • *The full list of covariates included in the analysis is represented by those in the left-hand columns of tables 4 and 5

  • †According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland dietary guidelines16

  • ‡Minutes per week based on national and international physical activity guidelines25 26

  • §Valid denominator=1283

  • ¶BMI calculated based on self-reported height and weight and categorised according to the WHO BMI classification14 (‘Underweight’ participants were excluded (n=30))

  • **SES based on the occupation of the head of household. ABC1 denotes upper middle class, middle class and lower middle class. C2DE denotes skilled working class, working class and non-workers15 (valid denominator=1243)

  • ††Valid denominator=1113

  • ‡‡Valid denominator=929

  • §§Valid denominator=1035

  • BMI, body mass index; N/A, not applicable (not significantly associated with the outcome of interest in univariable analysis); ns, not significant in the multivariable analysis; SES, socioeconomic status.