Lifestyle habits of medical students and residents and their intentions to apply lifestyle medicine knowledge while consulting patients
| Date | Start Page | End Page |
|---|---|---|
2023-11-10 | 5 | 5 |
Oral presentations, Session 1
Introduction: The doctor's healthy lifestyle sets a powerful example that inspires patients to enjoy health. Our study aims to analyze the lifestyle habits of medical students and residents and their intentions to apply lifestyle medicine knowledge while consulting patients. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out at Lithuanian Health University in 2022. The self-administered questionnaire was filled altogether by 304 residents and 161 sixyear medical students. Participants were asked about their lifestyle habits, weight and height, and intention to apply lifestyle medicine knowledge while consulting patients. Body mass index was calculated from self-reported weight and height. Results: A significant number of respondents did not follow a healthy lifestyle. Only 22.8% consumed fresh vegetables and 33.5% consumed fresh fruits daily. Inadequate consumption of fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds were reported. More than one in six subjects smoked daily, and one in three subjects consumed alcohol at least once a week. More than one in five respondents was overweight. Respondents' lifestyles had little association with the intention to counsel patients on healthy lifestyles. Approximately half reported confident advising on nutrition and physical activity, with fewer comfortable advising on quitting smoking or alcohol. The reported counseling knowledge was associated with the work profile chosen by the respondents and was the worst among the ones on the surgical profile. A third of students and residents indicated that they do not intend to consult patients on lifestyle issues. The most common reasons: are lack of time, knowledge, motivation and not applying a healthy lifestyle in their own life. Most respondents indicated that lifestyle advice should be provided by a lifestyle medicine specialist, dietitian, or general practitioner. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of positioning healthy lifestyles in medical education to promote healthier lives and prevent disease.