ABSTRACT

Aims:

The aim of this study is to analyze Trakya University School of Medicine students’ knowledge on nutrition and their eating habits. In addition, it is aimed to determine whether there is a relation between knowledge and nutrition habits and whether medical education is enough to learn the correct information.

Methods:

The study conducted in May 2018 was carried out by questionnaires given to 681 students, which were composed of 240 first graders, 98 second graders, 78 third graders, 143 fourth graders, and 110 fifth graders. Chi-square method was used to determine the relation between the class and the gender.

Results:

Out of all students 30.4% of them thought that it is harmful to eat fish and yogurt together. 80.3% of them had the idea that consuming calcium in their diet does not increase iron absorption. 66.9% of the participants declared that they drink tea without sugar.

Conclusion:

It was determined that the students do not apply the information they know correctly to their daily lives. In some questions, it was observed that the students’ knowledge about nutrition is insufficient. In order to correct the eating habits and to create public awareness of nutrition, courses about nutrition should be included in the curriculum of medical students.