A questionnaire study on knowledge and awareness of metabolic syndrome and it’s components in undergraduate medical students at entry level

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a major and escalating public health crisis among young adults in recent times. Increasing calorie intake, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and chronic stress are the contributing factors for metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study is to evaluate the awareness and knowledge levels of first-year medical students regarding various aspects in metabolic syndrome. The study was conducted among 74 undergraduate medical students at Apollo institute of medical sciences and research. A standardized questionnaire was given to the students and the students were asked to answer the questionnaire independently and the responses obtained were statistically analyzed. In our study, the participants showed a good level of knowledge about different types, the pattern of inheritance and symptoms of diabetes mellitus. They were cognizant about causes, risk factors and treatment of adiposity and hypertension. The majority knew about ill effects of high cholesterol, stroke and arteriosclerosis. Most of them doesn’t know the underlying mechanism of heart infraction.  The study also identified areas  of deficiencies in the knowledge of students about different components of metabolic syndrome. This effort is done in the beginning of their course because being the force of future medical feternity, they can educate themselves and the public about ill-effects of metabolic syndrome and means to prevent it as a part of public health. The study also supports the necessity of early clinical exposure for medical students at the entry-level.