Dietary Habits of Undergraduate Medical Students - A Cross-Sectional Study Kumar Chandani Ashok1*, Revannasiddaiah Niroop4, Savanthe Aruna Marathi2, Patel Prakash Kurubarahalli3 1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam-517 425, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India 3PG Resident, Department of Community Medicine, PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam-517 425, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India 4Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam-517 425, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India 2Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam-517 425, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India *Corresponding author email id: dr.chandani22@gmail.com
Abstract Background: The problem of overweight and obesity among young adultsis steadily rising, forming a key link to the upsurge of other non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, stroke and myocardial infarction. These diseases have a complex aetiology but can be easily prevented by adopting healthy dietary and lifestyle habits. A study was conducted to assess the dietary habits of medical students, as it is believed that medical students have a higher level of knowledge regarding appropriate diet and its influence on health. Objective: To study the dietary habits of undergraduate medical students. Material and Methods: It was across-sectional study that included all the students in a medical college. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire from 613 students after taking informed consent. Results: Only 58.9 and 43.7% of the students consumed a diet adequate in calories and proteins, respectively. The female students’ diet was more deficient in proteins (62.2 vs. 49.5%). Majority of the students snacked once a day (73%). Junk food consumption was reported by 9.1% of the students daily. Approximately 56% skipped meals, breakfast was the common missed meal and it was due to disliking food and lack of time. There was a statistically significant association between meal skipping and academic years. Their knowledge regarding healthy dietary habits was poor. Conclusion: Dietary habits of medical students were found to be unhealthy. There is a need to create awareness and interest regarding healthy diet and time management among this future physician population. Top Keywords Dietary habits, Medical students, Skipping meals, Snacking, Calorie consumption. Top |