Assessment of the General Nutrition Knowledge Level of Medical Students Attending Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Oman

Abstract

Several surveys, 1992–1993, 1997–1999, and 2006–2007 in the US indicate that medical students receive relatively little education in nutrition. There is a lack of such surveys in Oman, so the following survey was conducted on 4th year medical students at SQU to evaluate their nutrition knowledge.A questionnaire was developed for this study and after being tested for validity and reliability it has been distributed to the students. The questionnaire has two sections; the first section focused on the impact of diet on total energy intake, chronic diseases and deficiencies disorders. The second section focused on attendance of nutrition seminars and workshops with relevance to Oman.Completed questionnaires were received from 143 participants and data analysis of the first section revealed that the average correct response was 75%. By contrast the sampled subjects have 5% score in terms of nutrition seminars and workshops attendance. Chi‐square analysis revealed no statistical significant difference between male and female students (χ2= 4.95 and χ2 = 7.69 respectively), P>0.05.Our study indicates that the 4th year medical students were generally aware of nutrition information relevance but they have poor knowledge of current important topics of nutrition and health in Oman. Based on these results, we recommend the adoption of a comprehensive educational approach through seminars and workshops in relevance to Oman.