The relationship between consumption of animal products and expenditure levels with Quality of Life Scores (SF-36) by veterinary students in Turkey

M.A Tekindal,M Polat,A.C Akin,B Mat,M.S Arikan,M.B Çevriml

doi:10.1590/1678-4162-12041

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to calculate the quality of life scores (Short Form-36) of veterinary students in Turkey and review their scores with regards to different socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 1211 students studying veterinary medicine in 26 different faculties in Turkey were selected by stratified sampling method and were asked questions concerning their consumption of and expenditures on foods of animal origin using the SF-36 questionnaire between October and December 2018. Significant differences were found between SF-36 components in terms of year level, gender, accommodation status, income level, and level of expenditures on foods and foods of animal origin (P<0.01). With the increase in the size of the budget set aside for animal products, the scores in the domains of physical functioning, vitality, mental health, pain, and general health perception also enhanced, and statistically significant differences were found (P<0.01). The low quality of life scores of the veterinary students can be improved by increasing their income level and consumption of foods of animal origin. This will ensure that they are energetic and have the desired level of mental and general health perceptions.

Highlights

According to the World Health Organization, quality of life is the perception of individuals toward their position in life with regards to the culture and value systems in which they dwell
A similar study in Brazil reported, in line with the findings of the present study, that the quality of life of medical students dropped to the minimum level in their third year, which could arise due to the burden of academic knowledge and that it returned The objective of the present study was to evaluate the quality of life and protein-based nutrition among veterinary students in Turkey, considering the results that were in accordance with our primary purpose
This study demonstrated that the students residing with their family had a higher quality of life scores than those of students dwelling alone or in dormitories (Pekmezovic et al, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization, quality of life is the perception of individuals toward their position in life with regards to the culture and value systems in which they dwell. Their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns are mingled with their quality of life. It is defined as their perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they reside and is related to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns (The World..., 1995). This value is much lower than the average values in European countries and the US (Meat..., 2018)

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Conclusion