FREQUENCY OF DIETARY PATTERN AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF KHYBER MEDICAL UNIVERSITY–INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES KOHAT PAKISTAN: Dietary Pattern Among Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

Objective: The main goal of this study was to identify dietary patterns among medical students and examine how these pat-
terns are related to modifiable, non-modifiable, socioeconomic, personal, and environmental factors that influence nutrition.
Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethical approval, a descriptive cross-sectional study
The study was conducted at Kohat Institute of Medical Sciences, Kohat, Pakistan, involving 405 medical students. A
semi-structured questionnaire, including a validated food frequency questionnaire along with lifestyle and sociodemograph-
ic questions, was used to assess dietary patterns and their determinants. The research took place from February to Septem-
ber 2024. All medical students aged 19 to 25 were eligible to participate. Data analysis and interpretation were performed
using Microsoft Office 2010 and SPSS version 22. The results were presented in tables.
Results: The study showed that among 182 females, 115 (63.1%) followed a healthy pattern, while among 223 males, 135
(60.5%) maintained a healthy pattern. Respondents with a normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m²) also displayed healthy habits.
Middle-aged students, around 22 years old, exhibited healthier behaviors. Following a healthy pattern helps prevent all med-
ical illnesses, with 219 (60.8%) reporting no health issues. Unhealthy dietary habits were linked to lower daily food intake,
smoking, fast food consumption, and decreased physical activity. Respondents with higher family incomes (<$100,000) and
more disposable income for food, especially hostel residents, showed a healthier dietary pattern.
Conclusions: It was observed that dietary patterns vary among medical students, with key factors influencing these differenc-
es including age, physical activity, daily food intake, family income, BMI, monthly pocket money, and smoking habits. Many
students reported following a healthy dietary pattern. University policies aimed at improving students’ lifestyle behaviors by
offering nutritious foods and encouraging regular physical activity are essential for supporting healthy development.
Keywords: Dietary Pattern, Medical Students, Age, Body Mass Index, Food Frequency Questionnaire