Determinants of Non-Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Among Healthcare Workers: A cross-sectional study: doi: 10.7417/CT.2026.1985

Background: Healthy eating habits are a key determinant of physical and mental well-being, particularly in the workplace, where individuals spend most of their daily lives. In hospital settings, the intense pace, shift work, and stressful environments often hinder the ability to maintain a balanced diet. Despite the recognized health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, adherence among healthcare workers remains suboptimal, revealing the need to explore the barriers behind this phenomenon. Aim: This study aimed to identify the main factors leading to non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet among healthcare workers and to assess the impact of organizational, psychological, and social variables on dietary behavior. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 38 overweight and obese employees of the Policlinico Umberto I Hospital and Sapienza University of Rome. Participants, who had previously discontinued a Mediterranean diet program, completed an ad hoc semi-structured questionnaire exploring four domains: dietary management, stress and motivation, professional support, and social context. Data were analyzed to identify variables significantly associated with non-adherence. Results: Non-adherence was significantly correlated with work-related stress (p