Factors Associated with Breakfast Skipping among Undergraduate Medical Students of a Selected Medical College in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Breakfast is a commonly skipped meal especially for young adult during their university study period. Objective: This study aimed to determine the factors related to skipping breakfast among medical students in this study. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the 4th year medical students of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, Barishal in January 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire recording the demography, breakfast consumption habits, and other factors like physical condition, appetite, sleep quality, social relation with others and learning. Results: A good proportion of the students (63.3%, 95% CI: 56.18-70.38%) skip breakfast. Waking up late (OR-11), sleeping late (OR-7), and staying in hostels (OR- 8) were the important factors significantly associated (p<0.05) with break-fast skipping. Conclusions: Breakfast skipping behavior is high among undergraduate medical students. The students should be encouraged to eat regular breakfast through health promotion campaigns.