Food habits in medical students in first and sixth year of a private university of Lima, Peru

Objective: To assess food habits and factors associated with the consumption of soft drinks and fast food. Subjects and Methods: Cross-sectional study in first (n = 269) and sixth year (n = 165) students of the Faculty of Medicine at the University San Martin de Porres. A questionnaire structured was applied in two parts: the first part consisted of 11 questions about socio-demographic data and general food habits; the second part consisted of 12 questions and collected the frequency of consumption of various foods. Descriptive analysis was performed, bivariate and multivariate accordingly. Results: Both groups omitted mainly breakfast. Also, eating breakfast was a protective factor in the consumption of fast foods and soft drinks. Being on sixth year was a risk factor. Conclusion: Students of higher years consume fast foods and soft drinks more often, making it necessary to promote food education from the early years.