Nutrition Status among Health Care Providers at Kapkatet County Hospital in Kericho County, Kenya

Healthcare providers play a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles, yet they often overlook their own nutritional health, which can affect both their well-being and professional performance. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status and gender differences among healthcare providers at Kapkatet County Hospital in Kericho County, Kenya, using Body Mass Index (BMI) as a measure. A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was performed, utilizing existing nutritional assessment records from the standardized Ministry of Health (MOH) 407A register, which were completed during voluntary nutritional assessments offered to healthcare staff between May 2022 and November 2023. Participation was voluntary, allowing healthcare providers to self-select for nutritional evaluation. Data on weight and height were collected to calculate BMI, categorizing participants according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines: underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m²), and obese (≥30 kg/m²). Descriptive statistics and a Chi-square test of independence (using STATA version 17) were used to analyse the data. The study, which included 200 healthcare providers, found a high prevalence of overweight (30%) and obesity (55%), with only 10% classified as having a normal BMI. A statistically significant gender disparity (χ² = 10.21, p=0.016) was noted, with females showing a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity; no female participants were underweight, and 80% of those with a normal BMI were male. This study underscores a significant gap between nutritional knowledge and personal health practices among healthcare providers, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include comprehensive nutrition education programs, supportive workplace environments, and further research into gender-specific barriers to achieving optimal nutritional status. This study aligns with other findings indicating that healthcare providers often struggle to maintain healthy lifestyles despite their knowledge.