Background:
Eating habits have been a major concern among university students as a determinant of healthstatus. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of eating habits and its associated socialand psychological factors among medical students
Methods:
A cross sectional study was conducted among 132 medical students of pre-clinical phase at aMalaysian university. A self-administered questionnaire was used which included questionson socio-demography, anthropometry, eating habits and psychosocial factors
Results:
Mean (+/-SD) age of the respondents was 22.7 (+/-2.4) years and (the age) ranged from 18 to 30years. More than half had regular meals and breakfast (57.6% &, 56.1% respectively).Majority (73.5%) consumed fruits less than three times per week, 51.5% had fried food twiceor more a week and 59.8% drank water less than 2 liters daily. Eating habits score wassignificantly low among younger students (18-22 years), smokers, alcohol drinkers and thosewho did not exercise. (p<0.05). Four psychological factors out of six, were significantlyassociated with eating habits (p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, age and ‘eating because offeeling happy’ were significantly associated with eating habits score (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
Most of the students in this study had healthy eating habits. Social and psychological factorswere important determinants of eating habits among medical students.