A study to evaluate the lifestyle of medical students in Palermo (Italy) [Indagine sugli stili di vita degli studenti della Facoltà di Medicina di Palermo]

Scientific evidence confirms that unhealthy life habits play an important role in the development of many disorders in all age groups. This study evaluated the lifestyles of 445 first-year medical students in Palermo and Caltanissetta (Italy) by using an anonymous self-administered multiple choice questionnaire Approximately 97% of participants believe that a healthy diet is either "very important" or "extremely important" but only 44% follow a healthy diet. Fifty eight percent frequently perform sports/physical activities while eight percent report being sedentary. A peak in alcohol consumption was found to generally occur in one single day of the week. Twelve percent of those interviewed report smoking regularly (14% males vs 11% females) and 23% report using or having made use of cannabinoids (32%males vs 16% females). The percentage of regular smokers who use cannabinoids was found to be 68%. A higher percentage of males with respect to females reports having had occasional sex (29% vs 5%). According to 69% of interviewed students, AIDS is the most frequent sexually transmitted infection (STD). Only 1.6% believe that genital warts are the most frequent STD. These results suggest that implementing pre-university courses regarding lifestyles and how these affect health may positively influence students' life habits and lead them to healthier life styles