Assessment of Dietary Patterns in Medical Students of RMC

Abstract

Poor eating habit is a major public health concern among young adults who experience transition into university life during which, they are exposed to stress and lack of time.1,2 Some common unhealthy eating patterns among young adults included meal skipping, eating away from home, snacking and fast food consumption.3,4 Young adults are vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and non-communicable diseases.3-8A study in China showed that only 7% of university students follow a healthy dietary pattern.9 In a Japanese study, almost half of the dental students missed one of the three main meals.10A study in UAE revealed that50% of medical students had unhealthy diet and high stress levels.11Another study conducted in Yugoslavia showed unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle among Medical students.12 Diet patterns of university students were found to be unhealthy, especially among boarders in a Glasgow’s study.13Changes in living environment influence their dietary habits.14,15