Abstract

Background: The multifaceted nature of medical students' quality of life, significantly influenced by the rigorous demands of their education, highlights the crucial interplay between lifestyle factors such as nutritional habits and overall well-being.

Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional design, this study surveyed MBBS students from public and private colleges, focusing on their demographic details, nutritional intake, and quality of life through a structured questionnaire and the WHOQOL questionnaire. The data collection spanned from September 1, 2023, to January 30, 2024, aiming to capture a comprehensive snapshot of the students' current well-being status.

Results: With 182 participants, the study found a predominance of female students and an overall high academic performance. Notably, many students reported poor nutritional habits, such as frequent skipping of breakfast and high consumption of fast food. Quality of life assessments indicated average to good perceptions among the majority, with significant gender differences observed across health domains. Additionally, the sector of the university (public vs. private) appeared to influence QoL outcomes, with public university students reporting better health scores.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the detrimental impact of poor nutritional habits and the demanding nature of medical education on students' quality of life. It highlights the importance of comprehensive strategies, including educational interventions and support systems, to improve their dietary habits and, consequently, their overall well-being. Future studies should further investigate the impact of targeted interventions on enhancing the quality of life and nutritional status of medical students.