Publication:

Nutritional knowledge, dietary behaviors and physical activity among undergraduate medical students: a cross-sectional study

Background Medical students undergo lifestyle transitions that may compromise healthy eating and exercise habits, potentially affecting their role as future health advocates. This study is done to assess nutritional knowledge, dietary behaviors, physical activity patterns, and body mass index (BMI) distribution among undergraduate medical students.

Methods This cross-sectional study included 200 medical students (110 males, 90 females; aged 18-21 years) from Tertiary Hospital and Medical College of Navi Mumbai, India, surveyed from June-November 2023. A structured questionnaire assessed nutritional knowledge, meal patterns, food preferences, exercise frequency, and fast-food consumption motivations. BMI was calculated using WHO Asian population criteria.

Results Mean age was 20.42±1.50 years with no significant gender difference. Adequate nutritional knowledge was reported by 79.5% of students (males 78.2%, females 81.1%, P=0.611). Daily exercise was practiced by 78.0% of participants, though 16.0% never exercised. Despite good knowledge, 52.5% preferred junk food over fruits/vegetables. Breakfast was regularly consumed by only 81.0% of students. BMI distribution showed 41.5% underweight, 37.0% normal weight, 13.5% overweight, and 8.0% obese. Social eating with friends (78.0%) was the predominant context, with group dining being the primary fast-food motivation (43.5%).

Conclusions A significant knowledge-behavior gap exists among medical students regarding nutrition. Despite adequate knowledge and exercise habits, unhealthy food preferences and irregular meal patterns persist. Social influences strongly impact dietary choices. Comprehensive interventions addressing social and environmental factors, beyond traditional knowledge-based education, are needed to promote healthy behaviors among future healthcare providers.