Nutritional status and frequency of overweight and physical activity behaviors of medical school students and factors affecting these variables
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Date
2021
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Abstract
Adequate nutrition and physical activity are of great importance for the general health and school success of individual, and for preventing obesity, cardiovascular diseases,diabetes mellitus, and cancer. The aim of study is to reveal the dimensions of the nutrition and physical activity behaviors of students in the 1-6 years of our medicalfaculty. In this study, 670 people (58.6%) were reached. The dependent variables are physical activity, nutrition, and body mass index (BMI). 16.3% of the students wereoverweight or obese; only 37.7% had a physical exercise at least one day a week. 29.4% of the students skip meals very often, 30.7% made a diet in the last 12 months.Students BMI> 25 had less diet; use more addictive substances, less participate in organized activities; are members of the community to a lesser extent and personalbeliefs were found to be weaker. The most important variables affecting BMI are body perception and participation in organized activities. Living in a family home ordormitory and having room are the factors that affect the nutrition behavior positively and at least one cigarette per day affects negatively. The most important factorsaffecting adequate physical activity are to pay attention to weight, to make a holiday, to meet with friends in the evening and to study less than 2 hours per day. Beingupper grades, not participating in organized activities, and depressive mood are other factors cause physical inactivity. In conclusion, systemic exercise and eating habitsare insufficient. Students' positive habits are gradually decreasing as the period progresses. Faculty administrations should take measures for health promotion activitiesand should concentrate on students who are in grades 4 and above.