Junk Food Consumption and its Health Effect among Medical Students in Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Consumption of unhealthy food is a widespread phenomenon among young individuals, even those studying medicine. The heightened academic workload experienced by medical students has a detrimental impact on their dietary decisions, leading to a stressful lifestyle. This study aimed to assess the incidence of junk food consumption and its impact on the health of Iraqi medical students. A cross-sectional study was done from May 2024 to June 2024 in the medical department, which includes medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. The study utilized a standardized questionnaire. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 24. Data was collected to assess the knowledge and health impacts of consuming junk food. This included gathering information on eating habits, preferences, timing of intake, the influence of nutritional information on the choice of junk food, and any history of diseases in the past six months. A total of 628 students took part in the study, with 75.2% demonstrating awareness of the hazards and the significant correlation between obesity and fast food. However, a significant majority of participants, specifically 86.5%, consumed fast food. Out of the three students surveyed, 56.4% cited hygiene concerns, 16.8% claimed stomach problems, and 17.8% reported dental problems. A substantial correlation (p-value 0.009) was found between the eating of unhealthy food and feelings of tiredness or lethargy. The poll indicates that medical students possess a greater understanding of the health hazards associated with junk food, yet its intake continues to be prevalent. This suggests that there is a need for additional research on the dietary elements of our future health professionals. Furthermore, timely interventions should be implemented through education and training to raise awareness about the adverse impacts of consuming junk food in society.