Lifestyle Habits and Dietary Diversity among Medical Students at Université Gaston Berger (UGB) of Saint-Louis in 2023

Introduction: At university, habits, particularly eating habits, can negatively impact well-being. This study aimed to describe lifestyle habits and dietary diversity among medical students. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study, carried out at the UFR 2S of the University Gaston Berger from May 23 to June 3, 2023. The collection tool focused on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits and dietary diversity. Statistical analyzes were carried out using R software. Results: A total of 471 students participated in this study. Which corresponds to a participation rate of 89.2% with a M/F sex ratio of 1.66. The age of participants, varying from 18 to 32 years, had a median of 23 years and a mean of 22.4 years with a standard deviation of 2.2 years. Among the participants, 67.2% skipped breakfast, and 28.5% did not practice any physical sports activity. Alcohol and tobacco were consumed by 2.5% and 0.6% of participants, respectively. The most consumed foods were starchy foods (97.5% of men and 98.4% of women); and the least consumed were dark green leafy vegetables (21.9% of men and 15.1% of women) and offal (16.9% of men and 11.9% of women). The dietary diversity score was low for 31.9% of men and 28.7% of women. Conclusion: Certain lifestyle habits (skipping breakfast, dining late at night, lack of sports practice) of Medicine students at UGB can prove deleterious to their well-being. These students are at risk of developing several deficiencies in terms of food groups that are underrepresented in their diet. Awareness sessions on good lifestyle habits and diet would be relevant recommendations for improving the health of these students.