Evaluation of Nutritional Status in Relation to the Cognitive Performance of Medical Students at Oman Medical College

摘要

Objective: Dietary assessment to describe eating practices and asses the nutritional status of students in relation to the cognitive performance of students by Mini-Mental State Examination. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a food frequency questionnaire, Mini mental state examination, anthropometric measurements, and blood analysis for measuring hemoglobin(Hb) and glucose levels. Third year medical students of Oman medical college Sohar campus (Sample size, N=80) were involved in this study. Statistical Analysis was done using the food frequency, MMSE and blood analysis data to study the dietary patterns, nutrition status and cognitive performance of the students. Results: The data revealed low intake of legumes, eggs and red meat (mutton/beef), hence low protein intake by majority of students. 47.5% of the students consumed only two meals in a day. 20.9% of the students were underweight, 13.4% were overweight and 9% were obese. Physical inactivity was present in 51.2% of the students. Low hemoglobin (Hb<12mg/dl) and low glucose level (<3.9mmol/L) was observed in 32% and 28.7% of study sample respectively. Low MMSE score among 11.6% subjects indicated mild cognitive impairment. A significant correlation existed between MMSE and glucose level (p<0.05). Conclusion: A strategy is required to monitor the nutrition of young Omani adults in order to improve health status and prevent deficiency diseases. There is an urgent requirement to promote healthy food choices and lifestyle among medical students.