Risk Behaviors for Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases in Medical Students

Abstract

University students have adopted an unhealthy lifestyle, implementing behaviors that can contribute to the development of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs). Few studies assess the coexistence of CNCD risk behaviors among medical students. This study aimed to evaluate the clustering of CNCD risk behaviors among medical students and to verify the associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study, carried out with students from the 3rd and 9th semesters of three medical schools in the north of Minas Gerais. By using previously validated instruments, the risk behaviors evaluated were inadequate diet, alcohol abuse, smoking, and physical inactivity. Data collection was carried out in educational institutions using previously validated instruments. Associated factors were identified through multiple binary logistic regression analysis. 209 students participated in the study. The prevalence of clustering of three or more CNCD risk behaviors was 22.0%. The multiple analysis, controlled by sex and age group, revealed that the clustering of risk behaviors was associated with the presence of depressive symptoms (OR=2.22; 95%CI=1.09-4.54) and excessive daytime sleepiness (OR =2.15; 95%CI=1.07-4.30). The results highlight a high frequency of clustering of CNCD risk behaviors in the studied group and highlight the need for greater surveillance of routine and mental health aspects of medical students.

Keywords

• medical students. lifestyle. risk factors. chronic disease.