Assessment of Lifestyle and Risk Behaviour Practices among Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction: Medical students are future physicians. Life style and risk behaviour practices that are acquired in early life and in medi- cal college will have a direct impact on their clinical performances. Objective: to assess the dietary habits, physical activity and current habits of smoking, smokeless tobacco uses and alcohol consump- tion among undergraduate medical students. Material and method: A pretested, self-administered questionnaire was used for collection of data regarding socio-demographic char- acters i.e. age, sex, residence, and lifestyle ie. dietary habits, physical activities and risk behaviour practices i.e. smoking, smokeless to- bacco use and alcohol consumption. Results: 59.4% students had breakfast daily. Daily consumption of at least 5 portions fruits and vegetables was reported by only 36.9% of students. Moderate physical activity for at least 30 min/day for 5 or more days was reported by only 23.6% students. 15.6% students had junk foods 4-5 times a week while 29.7% had 2-3 times a week. Habits of smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly higher among male undergraduate students. Conclusion: The study revealed poor dietary habits, inadequate physical activity and high prevalence of substance abuse among the medical students. The students should be motivated to adopt healthy life style practices.

Keywords

• Breakfast
• Physical activity
• Students
• Life style