Body Mass Index Profile of Medical Students at Jami University: A Descriptive Study

Said Naim Allemy; Abdul Saboor Karim Suri; Khyal Muhammad Hazeq; Habibullah Aatef; Zhila Hosaini; Soraya Nameh Haidary; Khatereh Mosavi

doi:10.61438/sarj.v2i1.150

Authors

Said Naim Allemy Department of Curative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0998-0549
Abdul Saboor Karim Suri Department of Curative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0290-2470
Khyal Muhammad Hazeq Department of Curative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3538-9617
Habibullah Aatef Department of Curative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5774-5910
Zhila Hosaini Department of Curative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3537-8182
Soraya Nameh Haidary Department of Curative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5614-5622
Khatereh Mosavi https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2671-6548

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61438/sarj.v2i1.150

Abstract

Objectives: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a critical indicator of nutritional status and a predictor of non-communicable diseases. Medical students, despite their awareness, are not immune to lifestyle-related health risks. This study aims to assess the BMI status of medical students at Jami University and explore associations with lifestyle and demographic factors

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 among undergraduate students (n = 233) of the Faculty of Curative Medicine at Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan. The total student population was approximately 590. Stratified random sampling was used. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and standard anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed using Epi Info 7.2.5.0

Results: Among the 233 students (152 males, 81 females), the mean BMI was 24.08 ± 3.7 for males and 23.5 ± 4.2 for females. Overall, 61.8% had normal BMI, 4.72% were underweight, 27.47% overweight, and 6.01% obese. Overweight was more prevalent among males, while obesity and underweight were slightly more common among females. Physical inactivity, smoking, and moderate economic status were associated with higher rates of overweight and obesity.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant prevalence of abnormal BMI among medical students, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions, particularly in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices among future healthcare professionals.

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Body Mass Index Profile of Medical Students at Jami University

A Descriptive Study

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