The study of food habits among undergraduate medical students from a health institution in Tamil Nadu in changing scenario

Abstract

The present study was designed to assess the food habits among Undergraduate medical students in the changing scenario. A Structured Questionnaire was administered to collect information on meal pattern and food choices. A core sample of 100 undergraduate medical students from Panimalar medical college hospital and research institute, Tamil Nadu with an age range between 19 – 22 years were considered for the study and comprises 50 boys and 50 girls.

Information regarding the Food and Nutrient intake of the subjects was collected using 24 hours recall for 3 consecutive days. The data collected was tabulated, grouped and subjected to Statistical analysis. The ‘t’ test was used to compare the food and nutrient intake of the students with ICMR Standard and percentage adequacy was also calculated. Adequacy of diet was assessed by comparing the calculated nutrient intake with the Indian RDA. The result indicated that meal pattern of the subjects between boys and girls were almost similar. Fats, sugar and jaggery intake was found to be higher than RDA in both groups. Thirty percent boys and fifty percent girls skipped breakfast, and this shows a negative impact on their lifestyle. Thus, awareness on nutrition education is an important measure for improving dietary practice among this population.