Abstract:
Introduction
Medical students are expected to possess sound knowledge of healthy lifestyle practices; however,
demanding academic schedules, irregular routines, and hostel-based living may negatively influence their
dietary habits, sleep patterns, physical activity, and overall health behaviours. This can lead to a discrepancy
between health awareness and actual practices, making this group particularly relevant for lifestyle-related
research.
Aim
This study aimed to evaluate lifestyle behaviours, dietary habits, and health awareness among residential
undergraduate medical students.
Objectives
The following are the objectives of this study: to assess dietary habits and breakfast-related behaviours, to
evaluate sleep patterns and screen time behaviour, to assess levels of physical activity, to examine
awareness regarding food ingredients and nutrition labelling, and to identify the gap between health
awareness and actual lifestyle practices.
Methods
A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital
and Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapura, Karnataka, India. A total of 199
residential undergraduate medical students aged 18-25 years from all academic phases participated. Data
were acquired using a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed by the authors and validated
using the Content Validity Index (CVI) methodology, assessing dietary habits, sleep patterns and screen time
behaviour, physical activity, and awareness of food ingredients and nutrition labels. Data were analysed
using descriptive statistics. Categorical variables were summarised as frequency and percentage (n (%)). No
inferential statistical tests were performed.
Results
A total of 130 (65.3%) students reported sometimes or often skipping breakfast, while 21 (10.6%) reported
always skipping breakfast. A total of 91 (45.7%) students reported sleeping less than six hours per night, and
188 (94.5%) used digital devices before bedtime. Although 139 (69.8%) students reported engaging in
physical activity, only 50 (25.1%) exercised daily. Regular reading of nutrition labels was reported by 77
(38.7%) students. Health awareness was higher than consistent healthy practices across all domains.
Conclusion
Residential medical students demonstrated moderate to high health awareness and poor adherence to
healthy lifestyle behaviours, indicating an ongoing knowledge-practice gap and the need for institution-
based interventions.
