Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Proper eating habits are one of the essential day today activities and lifestyle behavior which determines and helps in imposing an positive impact on the health of a human being. After entering into the professional courses and embracing the education in university, the Students start getting exposed to various academic challenges and adjustment problems related to hostels, which indirectly influences their eating habits. The future doctors in their student life are expected to practice good dietary habits. Due to persistent academic stressors and time constraints, Inspite of having adequate knowledge about the importance of healthy eating habits, they experience greater difficulty in putting this background knowledge into practical application. Objectives: To assess the eating habits and perceived challenges to maintain healthy eating habits of 1st year MBBS students. Methodology: This study was carried out among first year MBBS students belonging to 2015-16 batch of SSMC, Tumkur. A self-structured questionnaire was prepared consisting of questions which were used to assess the eating habits of the study population. The responses of participants were analyzed using Microsoft excel and Epi Info 7. Results: 63 (48.46%) reported to consumption of all 3 major meals in a day. Skipping of breakfast was seen in 53(40.76%), skipping of lunch 16(12.3%) and skipping of dinner 5 (3.84%) was reported. 61(46.92%) reported that having no time as the reason for skipping meals. 6(4.61%) reported that a skipped meals to control weight. Conclusion: It is the need of the hour to increase the awareness among medical students regarding practice of healthy eating habits and maintenance of healthy lifestyle practices for good academic outcome and healthy future.