Health Status and Lifestyle Habits of US Medical Students: A Longitudinal Study

Exercise and Dietary Recommendations for Women with Chronic Pain: What's Weight and Race Got To Do with It?

Exercise and diet are beneficial for pain, yet many patients do not receive such recommendations from providers. This may be due to biases related to gender, race, and weight. We recruited medical students (N = 90) to view videos of women with chronic back pain performing a functional task; patients varied by weight (overweight/obese) and race (Black/White). For each woman patient, providers rated their likelihood of recommending exercises or dietary changes. Ratings significantly differed across recommendations (F(2.75, 244.72) = 6.19, P < .01) in that providers were more likely to recommend flexibility exercises than aerobic exercises and dietary changes and were more likely to recommend strength exercises than dietary changes. Results also indicated that women with obesity were more likely to receive aerobic (F(1,89) = 17.20, P < .01), strength (F(1,89) = 6.08, P = .02), and dietary recommendations (F(1,89) = 37.56, P < .01) than were women with overweight. Additionally, White women were more likely to receive a recommendation for flexibility exercises (F(1,89) = 4.92, P = .03) than Black women. Collectively, these findings suggest that providers' exercise and dietary recommendations for women with chronic pain are influenced by the weight status and racial identity of the patient. Future studies are needed to identify the reasons underlying these systematic differences, including the stereotypes and attitudes that may be driving these effects. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents results on how patient weight and race impact providers' exercise and diet recommendations for women with chronic back pain. Provider recommendations for these modalities may be systematically biased in a way that impedes care and impacts patient functioning.

Changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviors and mental stress among medical students upon Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting: a prospective cohort study from Taif/Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular dietary plan for weight loss. In fact, fasting is a common practice in different religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. During the month of Ramadan, more than 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide fast from dawn to sunset. Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting (RDIF) has health benefits, including a reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and an improvement in mood. However, little is known about the effects of RDIF on lifestyle behaviors, such as regular exercise, consuming healthy diet, and avoiding harmful substances, as well as mental stress, and academic performance in high school and university students.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, two self-reported questionnaires were sent one week before and during the last week of Ramadan (April 2022; Ramadan 1443 in Hijri Islamic Calendar) to assess changes in lifestyle, perceived stress, and academic achievement of medical students at Taif University in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Healthy lifestyle components data were collected to calculate healthy lifestyle scores, including body mass index, physical activity, adherence to a Mediterranean diet, smoking status, and sleep duration.

RESULTS

RDIF was associated with a healthier lifestyle in both female and male participants (pre-RDIF mean score: 2.42 vs post-RDIF mean score: 2.74; statistical power = 0.99; P-value < 0.05). They were more active and adherent to the Mediterranean diet during RDIF. Additionally, the post-RDIF smoking rate declined by 53.4%. Male participants showed higher perceived stress scores during RDIF (pre-RDIF mean score: 19.52 vs post-RDIF mean score: 22.05; P-value < 0.01). No changes in academic performance were observed upon RDIF.

CONCLUSION

Medical students show healthier dietary and lifestyle behaviors and their academic performance is not affected during RDIF. However, perceived stress is higher among male students.

The relationship between academic success and sleep, stress and quality of life during the first year of physical therapy school

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between academic success and changes in predictor variables of aerobic fitness, sleep, stress and quality of life (QOL) in students enrolled in the first year of a physical therapist education program. Participants: This prospective longitudinal cohort study utilized 37 first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students. Methods: We investigated the association between grade point average (GPA) and the various predictor variables. A multiple logistic regression model with backward selection was used to predict GPA. GPA greater than or equal to 3.5 or below 3.5 out of a 4.0 scale were used as the dichotomous events. Results: The regression model with the selected-out predictors was a good fit (p = 0.011). About 60% of the variation in the outcome GPA binary can be explained by the selected predictors that were the changes in sleep and QOL. Conclusions: Achieving academic success can be affected by changes in sleep and QOL.

Differences in lifestyle between students of medical and biological fields of study in Poland

Students are a specific social group characterized by different lifestyle behaviours. The aim of the study was to determine whether there are lifestyle differences between students of medical and biological fields from three different universities in Poland. The research material consisted of answers from 1163 students (781 women and 382 men), aged 17.5– 26.0 from the medical faculty of the Wroclaw Medical University, biological faculties of the Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw and the University of Lodz. The survey included questions regarding gender, socio-demographic situation, lifestyle and eating habits. Students also provided height and weight data, which was used for BMI calculation. Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA were used to indicate differences in BMI between students and to estimate differences in lifestyle between students from three different university centres. Medical students exhibited significantly lower BMI values compared to students from other academic centres. They also more often reported doing additional sports and assessed their overall level of physical activity significantly higher compared to students from other academic centres. Biology students reported to sleep longer and being more exhausted compared to medical students. Biology students tended to drink sugar-sweetened beverages and eat fast-food significantly more often than medical students. Students from the medical faculty in Wroclaw reported to smoke cigarettes less often compared to students from non-medical study. There were no significant differences in other studied factors, such as the use of alcohol, snacking between the meals and consumption of energy drinks. Overall, students of medical fields reported a healthier lifestyle compared to their peers from biological faculties, although this was not consistent for all examined factors.

Immune fitness and lifestyle habits of Saudi medical students: a cross sectional study

Introduction

Immune function reaches an optimum level in young adults. However, young adults are more likely to adopt potentially harmful habits that may pose a risk to their long-term health and immune fitness, and which eventually may put a substantial burden on the healthcare system. This study aimed to assess the status of medical students' immune fitness, using the immune status questionnaire (ISQ) and exploring the association with the commonly adopted lifestyle habits hypothesized to have an impact on immune functions.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among preclinical students attending the medical school of King Abdulaziz University. An online self-reported questionnaire was used to assess the immune status (ISQ), perceived (momentary) immune fitness, general health, lifestyle habits and students' perception of these lifestyle-associated impacts on immune fitness. Descriptive, Spearman's correlation and stepwise linear regression analyses were performed.

Results

In a pooled sample of 211 participants, the overall ISQ score was 6.00 ± 5.0 with statistically significant abnormally lower scores in females (ISQ 5.00 ± 5.0, p < 0.001). 49.29% of respondents experienced poor immune fitness as measured by the ISQ (<6). The ISQ score was significantly correlated with fast and fatty food consumption (p = 0.003), daytime sleepiness (p = 0.001), and BMI subgroups (p = 0.028) negatively and positively correlated with adherence to a program of exercise (p = 0.005). A total of 41.23% of participants who reported a normal immune health, rated at ≥6 were graded below 6 on the ISQ score. Only 62.6% of students were able to correctly identify the effects of fast and fatty food consumption on immune fitness.

Conclusion

Poor immune fitness was common among medical students in KAU and associated significantly with their adopted lifestyle habits. Although, other factors can be significant contributors, biased immune health perception and lack of awareness of these lifestyle-associated impacts on immune fitness and general health may hinder the adoption of healthier habits. Immune biomarkers should be implemented in future work.

Does the Stage of University Education Differentiate Midwifery Students in Terms of Their Behaviors in Certain Situations and Sense of Self-Efficacy?

Midwifery students' behaviors in relevant spheres of their lives, as well as their sense of self-efficacy, can affect the process of training in the midwifery profession. The aim of the study was to determine the behaviors of students in Poland, assessed in a situational context, as well as their sense of self-efficacy in correlation with these behaviors at different levels of education in the midwifery profession. The study group included first- and third-year bachelor's degree (BS) midwifery students, as well as master's degree (MS) midwifery students. The survey was conducted on 1031 students. The 'Inventory for Personality Assessment in Situations' (IPS) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used in the study. The largest group of students that were categorized as having problematic profiles was observed in the social-communicative domain, which indicates the necessity of introducing corrective and therapeutic actions concerning their interpersonal relations. The leading trait in the social-communicative domain among the BS students was sensitivity to frustration. The lowest self-confidence was observed among the third-year BS students. The average result of generalized self-efficacy among all the respondents was M = 28.36 (SD = 4.41), which indicates the average level of the obtained results. Students at different stages of midwifery programs demonstrate different behaviors when assessed in the situational context.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Health Behaviours and the Literacy of Future Healthcare Professionals

Our everyday behaviours in life can positively and negatively impact our health, thus cumulatively shaping our lifestyles as more or less healthy. These behaviours are often determined by our knowledge, literacy, motivations and socioeconomic backgrounds. The authors aimed to assess health behaviours and explore variables that may affect persons studying to become future healthcare professionals in Poland. This study was conducted with a group of 275 undergraduate students attending the Poznan University of Medical Sciences representing six different majors of study. We used self-reported, cross-sectional survey conducted through the use of a questionnaire that consisted of one standardised scale (Juczyński’s Health Behaviour Inventory) as well as a self-developed health literacy measure. The students showed average to high levels of health-promoting behaviours (mean HBI = 82.04 ± 11.26). Medium to strong associations were found between these behaviours and high scores on the health literacy scale (p = 0.001, r = 0.45 between total scores of the two scales). Dietetics students and female respondents scored significantly better on both scales, which suggests that their self-reported behaviours and health literacy were higher than those of other participants. Exhibiting health-protective behaviours and high health literacy is likely to result in the better individual health of our respondents, but, more importantly, will also influence their future professions. As members of the healthcare workforce they will be responsible for the health of the population and it is crucial for them not only to provide care, education, and guidance, but also to act as role-models for their patients and society.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Health Behaviours and the Literacy of Future Healthcare Professionals

Our everyday behaviours in life can positively and negatively impact our health, thus cumulatively shaping our lifestyles as more or less healthy. These behaviours are often determined by our knowledge, literacy, motivations and socioeconomic backgrounds. The authors aimed to assess health behaviours and explore variables that may affect persons studying to become future healthcare professionals in Poland. This study was conducted with a group of 275 undergraduate students attending the Poznan University of Medical Sciences representing six different majors of study. We used self-reported, cross-sectional survey conducted through the use of a questionnaire that consisted of one standardised scale (Juczyński’s Health Behaviour Inventory) as well as a self-developed health literacy measure. The students showed average to high levels of health-promoting behaviours (mean HBI = 82.04 ± 11.26). Medium to strong associations were found between these behaviours and high scores on the health literacy scale (p = 0.001, r = 0.45 between total scores of the two scales). Dietetics students and female respondents scored significantly better on both scales, which suggests that their self-reported behaviours and health literacy were higher than those of other participants. Exhibiting health-protective behaviours and high health literacy is likely to result in the better individual health of our respondents, but, more importantly, will also influence their future professions. As members of the healthcare workforce they will be responsible for the health of the population and it is crucial for them not only to provide care, education, and guidance, but also to act as role-models for their patients and society.

Exploring the role of social capital, self-efficacy and social contagion in shaping lifestyle and mental health among students representing the future healthcare workforce in Palestine: social cohort study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and depression form an unhealthy mix. The project focuses on potentially effective psychosocial factors shaping health-related habits and mental health. The study is conducted among health domain students. Understanding what shapes their health will determine their quality of care. The study is implemented at An-Najah National University in Palestine. This zone of continuous conflict psychological stress is high and mental health problems are stigmatised.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Students who are enrolled in second and third year will be invited to fill in a baseline and two follow-up online questionnaires. The questionnaires will assess: health behaviours and outcomes (health-related habits, obesity and mental health), main predictors (social capital, social network, self-efficacy), confounders (general and sociodemographic characteristics) and effect modifiers (sense of coherence (SOC) and family SOC). Friendships within participating students will be identified by allowing students to name their friends from a pull-down menu of all students. Descriptive statistics and scores will describe participant's characteristics. The relationship between health behaviour, outcomes and main predictors will be examined by regression and structural equation models. Clustering of health behaviours and outcomes will be assessed by permutation tests. Their spread within the network of friends will be investigated by longitudinal generalised estimating equations.

DISCUSSION

The study will identify the prevalence of NCD-related health habits and mental health aspects in the future healthcare workforce in Palestine. It will be the first study to address the role of psychosocial factors for the targeted students. It has the potential to identify targets for promoting physical and mental health among these future professionals.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz (EKNZ) in Switzerland and the Institutional Review Board Committee (IRBC) in Palestine. Participation in the study is voluntary and requires informed consent. The data management methodology ensures the confidentiality of the data. The outcomes of the study will be published as scientific papers. In addition, it will be presented in stakeholder conferences and to students at An-Najah National University.

Well-being, Perceived Stress and Their Relations with Health-Relevant Behaviours Among Italian Medical Students: a Cross-Sectional Study at Sapienza University of Rome

Medical education is widely known to be demanding and stressful, with elevated levels of anxiety and depression among medical students. This study aims at examining well-being, perceived stress and quality of life in a sample of Italian first-year medical students in order to investigate the relations between these variables and individual characteristics and behaviours. An anonymous cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to a sample of 407 Italian first-year medical students. Psychological well-being, perceived stress and quality of life were assessed using standardised questionnaires PGWBI, PSS, SF-12. Data were analysed with multivariate statistical methods. Significant differences in PGWBI, PSS and SF-12 scores were found between males and females (with poorer scores for females), between smokers and non-smokers (with poorer scores for smokers) and between students who reported cannabis use in their lifetime and students who did not (with poorer scores for those who smoked cannabis). Logistic regression showed that gender (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24–0.61), reported cannabis use (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.07–3.09) and regular physical exercise (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34–0.86) were significant predictors of distress. In summary, this study shows that female medical students and students who reported negative health behaviours and sporadic drug use reported lower psychological well-being and quality of life and higher stress, while positive health behaviours might prevent distress.

Study protocol for the ETMED-L project: longitudinal study of mental health and interpersonal competence of medical students in a Swiss university using a comprehensive framework of empathy

INTRODUCTION

Physician interpersonal competence is crucial for patient care. How interpersonal competence develops during undergraduate medical education is thus a key issue. Literature on the topic consists predominantly of studies on empathy showing a trend of decline over the course of medical school. However, most existing studies have focused on narrow measures of empathy. The first aim of this project is to study medical students' interpersonal competence with a comprehensive framework of empathy that includes self-reported cognitive and affective empathy, performance-based assessments of emotion recognition accuracy, and a behavioural dimension of empathy. The second aim of the present project is to investigate the evolution of mental health during medical school and its putative link to the studied components of interpersonal competence. Indeed, studies documented a high prevalence of mental health issues among medical students that could potentially impact their interpersonal competence. Finally, this project will enable to test the impact of mental health and interpersonal competence on clinical skills as evaluated by experts and simulated patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This project consists of an observational longitudinal study with an open cohort design. Each year during the four consecutive years of the project, every medical student (curriculum years 1-6) of the University of Lausanne in Switzerland will be asked to complete an online questionnaire including several interpersonal competence and mental health measures. Clinical skills assessments from examinations and training courses with simulated patients will also be included. Linear mixed models will be used to explore the longitudinal evolutions of the studied components of interpersonal competence and mental health as well as their reciprocal relationship and their link to clinical skills.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The project has received ethical approval from the competent authorities. Findings will be disseminated through internal, regional, national and international conferences, news and peer-reviewed journals.

Brief, effective experience to increase first-year medical students' nutrition awareness

Background: Wellness is an important concept for medical students to learn, both for their own health and for their patients. Since nutrition is an essential part of one's wellness that can positively or negatively impact one's health, it is important for medical students to learn approaches to nutritional wellness. Studies have shown that physicians' nutrition attitudes and clinical practices are positively correlated with their dietary practices.Objective: Here, we describe a brief nutrition-based education experience for first-year students offered at the start of the medical school curriculum that is designed to increase their nutrition awareness.Design: The nutrition experience involved five components: 1) having students complete three 24-hour food recalls; 2) comparing their recalls to nutrient standards; 3) emphasizing strategies that include simple, nutritionally sound food choices and preparation; 4) surveying students on their implementation of personal healthy nutritional strategies; and 5) requesting future recommendations for modifying the educational experience.Results: Most students' diets did not meet the recommended dietary levels for several nutrients, and these deficiencies corresponded to specific food group inadequacies. Forty percent of the students responded to a three-month follow-up survey. Of these students, 46% implemented one of the presented strategies to improve their food intake. Most changes included the addition or deletion of a particular food. Seventy-three percent recommended repeating the program in the future.Conclusions: We demonstrate that a brief 2.5-hour nutrition wellness experience can increase nutrition awareness and promote dietary change in incoming medical students. Many felt that the experience was valuable and recommended offering a similar experience to future classes.

Diagnostic indicators of risk-prone health behaviors in pregnant adolescents

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify diagnostic indicators associated with the nursing diagnosis risk-prone health behaviors in pregnant adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 181 pregnant adolescents. A latent class analysis was conducted to verify associations between the defining characteristics of risk-prone health behaviors and diagnostic accuracy measures. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the manifestation of risk-prone health behavior.

FINDINGS

The prevalence of risk-prone health behaviors in this sample was 31.04%. The defining characteristics failure to take action that prevents health problems and inappropriate eating habits achieved a high sensitivity. The related factors such as insufficient social support, stressors, low self-efficacy, social anxiety, isolated region of residence, and restricted access to health services presented significant associations with risk-prone health behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic indicators associated with the nursing diagnosis of risk-prone health behavior were failure to take action that prevents health problems inappropriate eating habits, insufficient social support, stressors, low self-efficacy, social anxiety, isolated region of residence, and restricted access to health services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

This study contributes to knowledge about the diagnostic indicators of risk-prone health behavior, which may help nurses reach the proper diagnosis. This will facilitate the application of clinical judgment in nursing care to assist pregnant adolescents.

Are Medical Students Prepared to Model Healthy Behaviors for Their Future Patients? A Survey Comparing Aged-Matched Peers

BACKGROUND

Osteopathic medical students (OMS) who establish healthy behaviors for themselves are more likely to counsel their future patients on appropriate self-care. This study compared the lifestyle habits of OMS with those of age-matched peers in other areas of study, which served as the control group.

METHOD

In the fall of 2018, a survey was administered to OMS of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYIT-COM) (group I) and graduate programs from the same school (group II), to assess their lifestyle habits. Questions on demographics were additionally included.

RESULTS

There were 398 total responses: 83.2% (N = 331) from group I and 16.9% (N = 67) from group II, with 25 being the mean age of the respondents. Group I (53.2%) reported to studying at least 5-10 h per day, while 20.1% reported to studying more than 10 h. Group II reported 37.3% and 9.0%, respectively, of study time. Group I exercised more times per week (2-3 times) than group II and for a longer duration (30-60 min). Group I slept more than group II (6-8 h), yet reported to using more substances to stay awake.

CONCLUSIONS

OMS studied, exercised, and slept more than age-matched peers, but used more substances to stay awake. Aspects of this study are encouraging, but suggest that further evaluation is needed for schools to assist students establish lifelong habits to encourage the wellness of their future patients.

Behavioral and Physiological Health-Related Risk Factors in College Students

The purpose of this study was to assess the behavioral and physiological health-related risk factors in college students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1620 college students (21.3 ± 1.7 years, 897 males, and 723 females). Physical activity (PA), sitting time, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular endurance (ME), and blood test were assessed. In the total sample, 15.2% were not meeting PA guidelines, 33% were sedentary, 13.3% were obese, 10.7% had low CRF, 36.8% had poor ME, 33.7% had dyslipidemia and 5.9% presented with prediabetes. Obesity and poor CRF were more prevalent in male students, whereas inactivity was more prevalent in female students. Individuals with poor CRF were more likely to be obese (odds ratio = 5.2, 95% CI = 3.5-7.8, P = .007 for male students, and 9.4, 95% CI = 1.5-57.8, P = .021 for female students). Sitting time positively correlated with fat percentage (fat%) and inversely with lean body mass (LBM) in male students, whereas ME inversely correlated with fat% and positively with LBM in female students. Although most students were active, significant prevalence of health-related risk factors were observed. Sedentary behavior and poor fitness were associated with a compromised body composition in both sexes. Improving fitness and reducing sedentary behavior in college students could be a public health strategy for health promotion and chronic diseases prevention.

Single- vs 2-Screw Lag Fixation of the Medial Malleolus in Unstable Ankle Fractures

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of medial malleolar fixation with 1 vs 2 screws.

METHODS

Between April 2013 and February 2017, 196 patients who presented at 2 hospitals within one academic institution with an unstable rotational ankle fracture with a medial fracture and were treated operatively by a trained orthopedic surgeon were identified. These patients' charts were reviewed and their injury, radiographic, surgical, and follow-up data recorded. Medial malleolus fragment size was assessed on the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views of the initial injury radiograph. Functional outcome was assessed using Maryland Foot Score (MFS). Patients were grouped based upon the number of screws utilized to fox the medial malleolar fragment. Data were assessed using Fisher exact tests and independent t tests with SPSS, version 23.

RESULTS

Out of the 196 patients who met inclusion criteria, 47 patients (24%) were fixed with 1 medial malleolar screw and 149 patients (76%) were fixed with 2 screws. There were no differences among patients who received 1 vs 2 screws with regard to age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, or smoking status. The average malleolar fragment size was smaller in those treated with 1 screw on both the AP and lateral radiographic views than those with 2 screws (P = .009, P = .001, respectively). There was no difference between groups in ankle dorsiflexion or plantarflexion at 1 year postoperation (P = .451, P = .581). Patients who received 1 screw did not differ from those who received 2 screws with respect to Maryland Foot Scores (P = .924). There was no difference in rate of revision surgery or need for hardware removal between groups (P = .093). Furthermore, time to healing and postoperative complication rate did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

The use of a single screw for medial malleolar fixation provided stable fixation to allow ankle fracture healing, without an increase in complications. This information is especially important in situations when the fragment is too small to accommodate multiple fixation points.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Medical student wellbeing - a consensus statement from Australia and New Zealand

BACKGROUND

Medical student wellbeing - a consensus statement from Australia and New Zealand outlines recommendations for optimising medical student wellbeing within medical schools in our region. Worldwide, medical schools have responsibilities to respond to concerns about student psychological, social and physical wellbeing, but guidance for medical schools is limited. To address this gap, this statement clarifies key concepts and issues related to wellbeing and provides recommendations for educational program design to promote both learning and student wellbeing. The recommendations focus on student selection; learning, teaching and assessment; learning environment; and staff development. Examples of educational initiatives from the evidence-base are provided, emphasising proactive and preventive approaches to student wellbeing.

MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS

The consensus statement provides specific recommendations for medical schools to consider at all stages of program design and implementation. These are: Design curricula that promote peer support and progressive levels of challenge to students. Employ strategies to promote positive outcomes from stress and to help others in need. Design assessment tasks to foster wellbeing as well as learning. Provide mental health promotion and suicide prevention initiatives. Provide physical health promotion initiatives. Ensure safe and health-promoting cultures for learning in on-campus and clinical settings. Train staff on student wellbeing and how to manage wellbeing concerns.

CONCLUSION

A broad integrated approach to improving student wellbeing within medical school programs is recommended. Medical schools should work cooperatively with student and trainee groups, and partner with clinical services and other training bodies to foster safe practices and cultures. Initiatives should aim to assist students to develop adaptive responses to stressful situations so that graduates are prepared for the realities of the workplace. Multi-institutional, longitudinal collaborative research in Australia and New Zealand is needed to close critical gaps in the evidence needed by medical schools in our region.

Prevalence of lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors in a group of medical students

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the cross-sectional study was to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in the group of medical students with gender, overweight and obesity categorisation.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study included 364 medical students, 207 females and 157 males. We investigated anthropometric parameters, BMI, body fat percentage, WHR (waist-hip ratio), TCH (total cholesterol) and LDL-CH (LDL-cholesterol), SBP and DBP (systolic and diastolic blood pressure). The participants also completed questionnaires with socio-demographic characteristic, including smoking, unhealthy eating, self-perceived health, and physical activity status. Statistical analysis used t-test differences in arithmetic means and OR calculation with 95% CI.

RESULTS

Prevalence of increased blood pressure (> SBP/DBP 120/80 mmHg) among participants was 10.99% (SBP) and 9.07% (DBP). The results confirmed risk of "overweight + obesity" in 15.38% (using BMI evaluation) versus 18.54% cases (using body fat percentage evaluation). The results of the study confirmed statistically higher risk for males compared to females in the following parameters: SBP, DBP, BMI, body fat percentage, self-perceived health, unhealthy eating and body weight watching. "Overweight and obesity" group (BMI evaluation) confirmed all factors on statistically significant level a risky group: SBP, DBP, body fat percentage, TCH, self-perceived health, smoking, stress at university, and body weight watching. The outputs confirmed, on the other hand, low amount of clinical obesity (0.8%), clinical hypertension (BP > 140/90) 1.1%, and clinically higher cholesterol level (TCH > 5.2 mmol/l) in 8.7% participants.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed higher prevalence or cardiovascular risk factors among males. Also, group of "overweight and obese" students had higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors. Border limits for risk evaluation were strong, so on clinical level we can evaluate the group of medical students as healthy. In the group of young medical students, we confirmed lower frequency of risk factors compared to the Slovak population average.

Sedentary behavior and physiological health determinants in male and female college students

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behaviors are associated with numerous adverse physiological health outcomes, morbidity and mortality, although with limited knowledge in young adults.

AIM

To assess the association between sedentary behavior, muscular strength and body composition in male and female young adult college students.

METHODS

A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among 94 college students (20.2 ± 1.6 years, 46 males and 48 females) from a University in the Mid-Atlantic region, US. Students were assessed for sedentary behavior, physical activity and objective physiological variables including lean body mass (LBM), fat% and muscular strength [1-Repetition Maximum (1-RM)]. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Sedentary behavior (sitting time ≥ 6 h/day) was prevalent in 69% of females and in 46% of males, p = .036, although most students (84-94%) met the physical activity recommendations. Sitting time inversely correlated with LBM (r = -0.58, p = .01) and trending for positive correlation with fat% in females, whereas in males, sitting time inversely correlated with 1-RM upper body strength (r = -0.46, p = .017). Female students who sat ≥7.5 h/day had approximately 10-fold increased chance of being obese [odds ratio = 9.6, 95% confidence interval (1.5 to 62.7), p = .019] compared to non-sedentary.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most students were physically active, considerable prevalence of sedentary behavior was observed. The novel findings showed that, sedentary behavior was associated with compromised physiological health determinants of body composition in females and muscular strength in males. Reducing sedentary behavior among active college students could be a public health strategy for health promotion and chronic disease prevention.