ASSOCIATION OF DIETARY INTAKE AND SLEEP QUALITY WITH GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS AGED 21 TO 45 YEARS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN MUMBAI, INDIA

Nutritional Science and Dietetics

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The nature of work in the IT sector, which includes targets or deadlines, shift work, long work hours, project overload, and job insecurity due to layoffs, can cause high-stress levels among IT professionals. High-stress levels can cause disturbances in sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and short sleep duration. Such disruptions in sleep and high stress levels have been linked to an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases, obesity, and metabolic diseases. The current study assesses dietary intake, gastrointestinal health, and sleep quality among IT professionals and studies the association between gastrointestinal health, sleep quality, and dietary intake. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 198 IT professionals (120 males and 78 females) residing in Mumbai through a convenience sampling method. Anthropometric measurements, and dietary recall, were recorded. Gastrointestinal health was assessed using the Gastrointestinal Health Assessment Questionnaire and Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The association of gastrointestinal health with sleep quality, and dietary intake was examined. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: Males had significantly higher weight and height and consumed more protein and carbohydrate (p-value = 0.000) than females. The study found that 30.30% had a high risk of gastrointestinal inflammation while 21.21% of participants were at high risk for gastric ailments. For small intestine ailments, 4.55% were at high risk and 11.11% at moderate risk; for colon ailments, 8.59% were at high risk and 11.11% at moderate risk. Gastric and colon function are significantly associated with sleep quality (p-value < 0.05). Gastrointestinal inflammation is significantly associated with sleep quality, energy, and protein intake (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that poor sleep quality, and inadequate nutritional intake is associated with increased gastrointestinal health risk. Gastric and colon function are significantly associated with sleep quality. Gastrointestinal inflammation is significantly associated with sleep quality and dietary intake. Most participants reported poor sleep quality with no significant difference between the male and female participants. Further research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions to improve IT professionals' overall health and well-being. Keywords: Gastrointestinal health, Sleep Quality, IT Professionals, Nutrition, Dietary Intake, Occupational Health

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