Dietary habits of medical and pharmacy students at Semmelweis University, Budapest

Abstract

The lack of data regarding dietary and lifestyle habits of Hungarian university students prompted us to undertake a cross-sectional pilot study of students of Semmelweis University, Budapest. A total of 264 students (78 males with mean age of 21.4±2.6 y and 186 females with a mean age of 21.2±2.6 y) were involved in the study. The questionnaires contained inquiries of energy and nutrient intake, use of vitamin and mineral supplements, food frequency, meal frequency and physical activity. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS for Windows 9.0. The energy, protein and fat intake was somewhat higher than the Hungarian Recommended Dietary Allowances (HRDA) (BIRÓ & LINDNER, 1999). Sodium intake was alarmingly high. Vitamin D consumption was inadequate. The intake of the members of vitamin B group with exception of B12 and niacin was insufficient. The daily consumption of milk, dairy products, fruits and vegetables was deficient. The meal pattern was unbalanced. Only 66% of males and 52% of females were involved in a regular physical activity. Our results suggest that nutrition should be introduced into the medical curriculum as a separate and full-fledged course of study.