Lifestyle among medical students: A survey in Iran
Social Determinants of Health,
Vol. 12 (2026),
1 January 2026
,
Page 1-10
https://doi.org/10.22037/sdh.v12i1.51405
Abstract
Background: Medical students’ well-being is important; we evaluated lifestyles at four Iranian medical universities.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, demographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviors were assessed across educational levels using a questionnaire. SPSS version 22 was used; p<0.05 indicated significance.
Results: Of 850 invited students, 708 responded. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and hookah use were reported by 16.81%, 22.2%, and 13.1%, respectively; 43.4% had low physical activity and 19.9% reported a high-calorie diet. Smoking (p=0.02), alcohol consumption (p=0.002), and residence (dormitory versus family home; p<0.001) differed significantly across universities. Predictors of student smoking were male sex (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.85–5.99; p<0.001), alcohol consumption (OR 5.03, 95% CI 2.48–8.75; p<0.001), hookah use (OR 10.7, 95% CI 6.72–12.23; p<0.001), fatigue (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.61–4.26; p=0.006), parental smoking (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.36–5.42; p=0.005), and parental alcohol use (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.14–5.12; p=0.02). Moderate and high physical activity were protective (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.29–0.87; p=0.003 and OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.25–0.77; p=0.007, respectively).
Conclusion: Medical students demonstrated unhealthy lifestyle patterns, highlighting the need for targeted programs to improve their attitudes and behaviors.
- lifestyle
- Medical students
- University
How to Cite
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