A STUDY ON THE NUTRITIONAL STATUSES AND DIETARY HABITS OF THE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF FAISALABAD

The dietary patterns closely relate with the nutritional needs and requirements of the individuals. By adopting a balanced dietary plan, many transferable diseases stop during the youth period. Healthy eating will surely result in good hygiene which can act as a role model for the patients. Objectives: The study exploring the eating habits, nutritional status and their relationship among the female medical students. Methodology: A hundred and fourteen female medical students participated in the research. The students belonged to first and second year of MBBS. The information regarding the demographics and associated features of the female students obtained and recorded on a questionnaire. Blood Hemoglobin measured for each student by using Sysmex and weighing machine and measuring tape used for the measurement of BMI (Body Mass Index) and MUAC (Mid Upper Arm Circumference) respectively. Results: The sample’s mean age was 19.5 ± 2.1 years. All the students were single. Out of the total sample of 114 medical students, 108 (94.7%) voted for the typical Pakistani food whereas 84% (73.3%) students were in habit of taking breakfast regularly. Furthermore, 73 students informed that they like to consume fast/junk food. The number of students who were using meat and its products thrice a week was 71.1% (81 students). The student's analysis for Hemoglobin revealed that the level of Hemoglobin was significantly associated with the dietary habits (p=0.001). The number of underweight and anaemic students were 42 (36.8%) & 41 (36%) respectively. Breakfast was also affecting the MUAC and BMI readings. (p = 0.003 and p=0.02). Conclusion: The dietary habits were involved in changing the nutritional statuses of female medical students. However, the demographics parameter of the students was independent of their nutritional conditions. The underweight and anaemic students were in habit of Imbalanced diet and often did not take breakfast. Keywords: Psychological, Undernourishment, Mal­nutrition, Haemoglobin, Haemoglobin, Transferable Diseases