Did the nutrition of Slovak medical students change? A comparison after 15 years

Authors aimed at positive and negative changes evaluation in nutrition and nutritional status of university-medical students comparing the situation in years 1984 and 1999. They were trying to determine, how was the nutrition of current medical students influenced by food consumption changes in the Slovak population and price liberalization of the food-stuffs as well.

Seven day reports from the year 1984 (199 students) and from the year 1999 (228 students) were processed using Food Research Institute, Food Composition Database and Programme. The quantity and quality of consumed food-stuffs and beverages were evaluated as well as energy and biologic value of students nutrition. Nutritional status of students was assessed by BMI (body mass index--kg/m2). Men and women (years 1999 vs. 1984) were separately evaluated by standard statistical methods.

Lower energy, fat, cholesterol, animal protein and salt intake were observed in students in the year 1999; on the contrary, carbohydrates, sucrose, fibre, magnesium, vitamins C and E intake increased in comparison with the year 1984. The differences were mostly significant in women. Big changes in food consumption (1999 vs. 1984) were observed. Current students eat less meat (less pork, beef, fish, but more poultry), eggs and potatoes and women also less milk and dairy products than in the year 1984. On the contrary, the consumption of vegetable, fruits, legumes and non-alcoholic beverages increased. Alcohol intake decreased significantly. Students eat the most on Sunday, the least on Friday; women eat more rationally. Nutritional status in man was not changed, the percentage of slim women increased (p < 0.05).

The food of current students (1999) is more varied, with the balanced content of plant and animal sources and with lower energy density than in the year 1984. Negative consequences of price liberalization in medical student nutrition are lower in comparison with Slovak global nutritional trends and they reflect the higher health awareness, eventually better socio-economic family background.