European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Transition from college life to internship gives freedom to many doctors to eat anything including junk food even though they are aware of the consequences of bad food habits. Intern’s ill health is mainly due to inadequate nutrition. Hospital campuses have canteen facilities, and many interns rely on the variety of food which is provided which could be bad or good. Hence the present study was carried out with an objective to determine the patterns of food habits and the levels of stress amongst interns of Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 188 interns who were working for Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana during the period of May to June 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire and perceived stress scale were used to collect data. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel 2007 worksheet and analysed using open Epi version 3.01. Results: Most of the interns 156(83%) went to have food in fast food restaurants and ordered food online 167(88.82%). Irregular meals were reported by 162(86.1%) interns, only females could do self-cooking after joining. Majority of participants both males and females had meals three times a day. Very few 12(21%) males and 33(24.79%) females were vegetarians and vegans. Conclusion: Perceived stress among interns will lead to change in their food habits and pattern that may lead to further physiological and psychological complications in their life. Behaviour change communication at this point and advocacy of lifestyle modification must be considered and implemented in the internship curriculum.