Assessment of knowledge towards nutrition and nutrition-related health problems among medical and dental students of a medical college in Manipur: a cross-sectional study

Bishwalata Rajkumari; Samurailatpam Priyanka Devi; Pechimayum Dayarani Devi; Thingnam Monika Devi; Thaimei Gairanlung

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262703

Authors

Bishwalata Rajkumari Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India
Samurailatpam Priyanka Devi Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India
Pechimayum Dayarani Devi Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India
Thingnam Monika Devi Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India
Thaimei Gairanlung Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262703

Keywords:

Nutrition knowledge, Cross-sectional study, Dental students, Health problems, Medical students

Abstract

Background: Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining health and preventing disease. In India, the dual burden of malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition) poses a significant public health challenge. Future healthcare professionals must possess adequate nutrition knowledge to effectively counsel patients and promote healthy behaviours. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of medical and dental students regarding nutrition and its related health problems, as well as determine the association between knowledge of nutrition and selected variables.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2024 among undergraduate medical and dental students of a tertiary care medical college in Imphal East, Manipur, using a pre-tested, self-administered, validated questionnaire (GNKQ). Descriptive and analytical statistics (chi-square test) were applied. A p value of <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results: A total of 405 participants were included. Only 29.1% of MBBS students and 18.8% of dental students demonstrated good knowledge of nutrition and nutrition-related health problems. Overall, general awareness was 26.7%. Participants >22 years and MBBS students were found to have significantly higher knowledge levels with 32% and 22.2% respectively.

Conclusions: Only about 1 in 3 MBBS students (29.1%) and 1 in 5 dental students (18.8%) demonstrated good knowledge of nutrition and nutrition-related health problems. Overall, general awareness of nutrition was inadequate, with only 26.7% of participants displaying adequate knowledge. Conducting hands-on training like workshops and symposiums on dietary assessment can help mend the knowledge gap.

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