# Exploring dietary behaviors among healthcare providers: based on association rule mining

## TL;DR

This study explores what influences healthcare providers' eating habits and finds multiple factors that affect their dietary choices.

## Contribution

The novel use of association rule mining reveals multi-level patterns influencing healthcare providers' dietary behaviors.

## Key findings

- Nine factors, including age and dining method, influence healthcare providers' dietary behaviors.
- 73 strong association rules were identified, with 10 selected for their clinical relevance.
- Targeted health programs are needed to address these multi-level dietary influences.

## Abstract

To identify determinants influencing dietary behaviors of healthcare providers, demonstrate the association patterns between factors, and provide scientific reference for this group to achieve and maintain healthier dietary behaviors.

From July to August 2025, we conducted a cross-sectional survey targeting healthcare providers in a tertiary hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to identify associated factors. Subsequent association rule mining was employed to detect significant factor interaction patterns.

We analyzed the dietary behaviors of 1,135 healthcare providers; 81.6% were female and 61.9% were nurses. Nine influencing factors were identified, including age, educational level, and primary dining method. A total of 73 strong association rules were identified, from which experts selected 10 based on clinical knowledge and experience.

Healthcare providers’ dietary behaviors are influenced by multi-level factors. To facilitate the adoption of healthy eating behaviors, targeted health promotion programs should be developed to address these influencing factors.