Malnourishment Among Medical Students of Punjab. Is Underweight Status A Significant Issue in Pakistan?

Abstract

Background: Assessment of the prevalence and factors which make a medical student of Public sector medical college of Punjab, Underweight.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 different medical colleges of the public sector in Punjab. A total of 352 students from all five years of the academic course participated in this study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was distributed to the students after taking their consent. The data included demographic information, targeted questions on diet, personal health habits, illnesses, and family history.

Results: Out of the total population, 28.1% were male and 71.9% were female students. The median age was 21.0 years. The mean weight was 59.2 ± 11.54 kgs. 56.3% of the students were hostelites and 43.8% were day-scholars. The average pocket-money of the students was 10150 Rs. Per month. According to body-mass index, about 11.9% students were underweight, 12.8% were overweight, 2.3% were obese, and 62.5% were of normal weight. Students who were underweight did not take the recommended daily number of calories. Among the causative factors, a significant relation was also found between underweight status and mode of commute, hours of sleep, pocket money, and whether the student takes nutritional supplements or not. Relation with various symptoms including fatigue, headache, breathlessness, and insomnia was not significant.

Conclusion: An alarming number of Underweight students was present in the Public sector medical colleges of Punjab, with the Underweight status being associated with a poor dietary status, unfavorable travel methods, and not taking nutritional supplements.