Medical Students Lifestyle and Health Related Behavior: A Survey from Nishtar Medical College Multan

Abstract

Background: The health status of people significantly depends upon their health related behavior and lifestyle. Medical students as a distinct and adolescents segment of our population need to address their health and lifestyle problems. This is a unique group of people with special wishes. Our survey aims to identify the lifestyle and behavioral patterns in this group and later come up with issues that demand special attention.

Objective: To determine the Medical Students Lifestyle and Health related Behavior in Nishtar Medical College Multan

Study Design: Cross sectional Descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Nishtar Medical College Multan from 01.01.2011 to 31.01.2011.

Materials and Methods: There was a non probability convenient sampling A survey was performed in one boy’s hostel and one girls’ hostels selected randomly. An interview base semi-structured questionnaire proforma was used to collect the data from willing medical students of 4th year MBBS. One hundred and five students (male: 49 & female: 56) residing in Hostels in Nishtar Medical college Multan, were included in the study.

Results:  Females were more depressed than males and had more sleep problems and taking the unhygienic junk foods. Quite a few of them (7.1%) were involved in substance misuse and addictions. Nine percent male and 1 %   female students were currently smoking cigarettes. Peer pressure was the most common reason (56.1%) to start smoking. As regard the physical exertion was concerned, 53.10 % male and 37.5 % female did exercise half an hour per day five days a week and were of opinion that physical exercise was essential for health.

Conclusion: Majority of the student’s lifestyle and health related behavior was not healthy. Insufficient sleep, depression and smoking were the leading unhealthy behaviors among the respondents. Families can play an important role to help the students live a healthier life. Further research studies should be carried out to emphasize issues of concern and achievable solutions in the medical students. A health education campaign should address properly in the students to change their lifestyle and health related behavior.