Keywords
prevention
non-communicable diseases
healthy lifestyle
How to Cite
Abstract
In press
Background. Non-communicable diseases account for over 90% of mortality in Ukraine, establishing preventive medicine as a strategic priority. Nutrition is one of the leading modifiable risk factors; however, nutrition-related training among healthcare professionals remains insufficient. Integrating nutritional topics into the medical curriculum is therefore strategically important for developing the professional competencies of future physicians.
Aim. To assess the awareness and attitudes of medical students toward the elective educational component "Nutritional Science" and to determine its significance for future professional practice.
Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted among students of Kharkiv National Medical University who had completed the elective component "Nutritional Science" (n = 68), representing the specialties of Medicine, Pediatrics, Dentistry, and Therapy and Rehabilitation. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v.26.0; results are presented as absolute frequencies (n) and percentages (%).
Research Ethics. The study complied with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki (1964–2024), the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, Good Clinical Practice (1996–2025), Good Laboratory Practice (1981–2002), and the Statute of the Ukrainian Association for Bioethics.
Results. Half of the respondents actively maintain a healthy lifestyle; 35.3% aspire to do so but cite limited knowledge or time. Personal interest in nutrition was the primary enrollment motivation (61.8%), while 32.4% sought to strengthen professional knowledge. Overall, 86.8% reported the course fully met their expectations. The most valued sections were "Nutritional Characteristics of Food Products," "Principles of Rational Nutrition," and "Nutritional Status Disorders and Their Correction". Most respondents (58.8%) consider the course essential for clinical practice, and 39.7% value it for forming a broader medical outlook. The strongest professional orientation was observed among Therapy and Rehabilitation students. A total of 69.1% expressed high willingness to recommend the course to peers.
Conclusions. The educational component "Nutritional Science" received high appraisal from Kharkiv National Medical University students, confirming its practical relevance. Further adaptation of the course to the specific requirements of individual medical specialties will support the preparation of physicians equipped to implement preventive strategies and apply nutritional knowledge in clinical practice.
Keywords: public health, prevention, non-communicable diseases, healthy lifestyle.
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