Predictors of nutritional health risks among midwives in the context of midwifery work

Background Specific occupational factors among midwives—such as shift work, night duties, and significant professional responsibilities—are likely to contribute to a high perceived workload within this group. These factors may increase the risk of nutrition-related health issues, including abnormal body weight and disordered eating behaviors. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and key occupational predictors of such risks in this population. Methods A cross-sectional preliminary study was conducted among 703 midwives in Poland. Disordered eating behaviors were evaluated using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), while workload intensity was measured with the Quantitative Workload Inventory (QWI). Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests and a Classification and Regression Tree (C&RT) model with V-fold cross-validation to identify the most influential predictors of nutritional health risk. Results A Classification and Regression Tree (C&RT) model was used to identify key predictors of nutritional health risk, defined as meeting at least one of the following criteria: abnormal BMI, EAT-26 score > 20, behavioral indicators of disordered eating, or a history of treatment for an eating disorder. Of the participants, 56.76% ( n = 399) were classified as being at nutritional health risk. The most salient predictors included work experience (more than 17.5 years), duration of night shift work, and QWI score. Conclusions Night shift work alone was not a significant factor in the model. Work experience and workload intensity are key predictors of nutrition-related health risks among midwives. These findings highlight the need for workplace-level policies that address long-term workload burden—such as schedule optimization, limits on prolonged night-shift exposure, and improved access to psychological and nutritional support. Future research should further examine modifiable organizational factors and evaluate targeted interventions aimed at reducing nutrition-related risks in midwifery settings.