Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Habits, and Food Labels Use—A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical Students of District Etawah

Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Habits, and Food Labels Use—A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical Students of District Etawah

Volume 3 Issue 2 – Dec 2025, Page 41-45, DOI: 10.63238/JMN.000.03.02.02

Dr Kirti Jaiswal1, Dr Sandip Kumar2, Dr Anshul Kumar3, Dr Adarsh Maurya4, Dr Anurag Verma5, Dr Shivani Binwal6

1. Professor &Head Department of Community Medicine, UPUMS Saifai,

2. Professor, Department of Physiology, UPUMS Saifai,

3. Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, UPUMS Saifai,

4. Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, UPUMS Saifai,

5. Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, UPUMS Siafai,

6. Junior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, AIIMS Raebareli,

Received:  June 17,  2025 | Published: December 25, 2025

Background:

Adequate nutrition knowledge and healthy dietary practices are essential for the well-being of medical students and the quality of care they will provide as future healthcare professionals. Food label literacy also plays a critical role in informed food choices. This study aims to assess the nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, and food label usage among medical students in District Etawah using a census method. 

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all medical students (N =620) in District Etawah using the census sampling method. A structured, self-administered questionnaire assessed demographic details, nutrition knowledge (15 multiple-choice questions), dietary habits (10 lifestyle and intake-related questions), and food label use (5 key behavioural questions). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Among the 620 students surveyed, 52% were male and 48% female. About 30.6% demonstrated good nutrition knowledge, while 53.4% had moderate awareness. A majority (67.1%) consumed inadequate fruits and vegetables (<5 servings/day). Meal skipping was frequent in 44.2% of participants. Only 25.3% always used food labels while purchasing packaged food. 

Conclusion: Medical students in District Etawah exhibit moderate nutrition knowledge but poor dietary habits and inadequate utilization of food label information. There is a pressing need for institutional strategies to incorporate structured nutrition education and practical applications to promote healthier lifestyle choices among medical students.

Read More