THE IMPACT OF EATING HABITS ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Medical profession is the most demanding educational program both emotionally and academically so healthy diet is important for the future healthcare providers and they need to promote healthy dietary habits among their patients.

Objective.This study aimed to observe the impact of eating habits on academic grades of medical students.

Material and Methods.This cross-sectional study was carried out at Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, Karachi from February to May 2024, within the duration of 3 months. In total 298 medical students were enrolled. Following ethical clearance and consent, information regarding demographic profile, dietary habits and academic performance was collected using a self-administered questionnaire via online Google Forms.

Results: A total of 298 medical students at Fazia Ruth Pfau Medical University were enrolled in the study, of which 129 (43.29%) were males and 169 (56.71%) were females. The mean age of students was 21.61± 0.80 and 21.56 ± 0.82 respectively. It was observed that251 (84.22 %) students had scores ranging between 70 - 79% while only 47 (15.77%) scored above 80%. Breakfast skipping was observed in 78(60.46%) males and 114(67.46%) of females. It was noted that 117 (90.70%) males and 157 (92.90%) females were having junk food once a week (n=117). Regarding caffeine intake, 36 (27.90%) males and 60 (35.50%) females denied caffeine intake.

Conclusion: Consumption of caffeine in moderate frequency and fruits daily seem to have a positive impact on academic grades of medical students whereas breakfast skipping has not declined the academic scores. More frequent fast food consumption significantly has led to higher proportion of lower grades.  Future research in this regard is required to design policy to promote health and grades of medical students.