Exploring the quality of life of New Zealand adults who practise intermittent fasting: A cross-sectional survey study
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Other Title
Authors
Reader, Karis Jaden
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Osteopathy
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2023
Supervisors
Aminian, Saeideh
Williden, Micalla
Williden, Micalla
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
New Zealand
intermittent fasting (IF)
caloric restriction
adherence
quality of life
surveys
intermittent fasting (IF)
caloric restriction
adherence
quality of life
surveys
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Reader, K.J. (2023). Exploring the quality of life of New Zealand adults who practise intermittent fasting: A cross-sectional survey study (An unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Osteopathy) Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6293
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Intermittent fasting (IF) has been investigated for its potential ability to improve aspects of quality of life (QoL). Current findings suggest that IF may be able to positively affect QoL. Additionally, only one study on IF has taken place in New Zealand, however, QoL was not their primary focus. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the QoL of New Zealand adults who practise IF.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study on New Zealand adults who practise intermittent fasting was conducted using a self-administered online survey. The survey asked respondents about demographic information, QoL using Short-Form 36, and questions about their IF practice. Frequency and percentages were calculated for ordinal and ratio data. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient tests were conducted between each QoL’s domain and age, education level, perceived level of challenge adhering to IF protocols and length of time practising IF. Data from open-ended questions was analysed using a truncated version of a manifest content analysis was employed.
RESULTS
153 respondents completed the survey. The majority were females (93%) between the ages of 45-54 (37%) who lived in Auckland (36%). Mean scores for six of the eight QoL’s domains were 80% or greater. Time-Restricted Eating was the most common intermittent fasting regime (87%). Most respondents thought IF was easy to adhere to and effective for helping them reach their health goals. Benefits such as reduced hunger, improved energy, mood, and overall happiness were commonly reported. The most common challenges associated with practising IF were social and environmental temptations, followed by hunger and cravings. Over half of the statistically significant correlations were associated with respondents’ perceived level of challenge adhering to IF.
CONCLUSION
This retrospective cross-sectional survey explored the QoL of New Zealand adults who practise IF. Respondents thought that IF, specifically Time-Restricted Eating, is often easy to adhere to and effective for helping them reach their health goals. Additionally, people who thought IF was easy to adhere to, were positively correlated with greater scores in several QoL’s domains. These findings provide exploratory data on the QoL of people who practice IF in New Zealand. Future research should employ control groups to facilitate comparisons of QoL between fasters and non-fasters.
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