Lifestyle Behaviors, Stress, and Health Indicators Among Female Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Medical students are exposed to high academic stress and lifestyle pressures that may affect their physical and psychological health. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 60 female medical students using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), sleep duration and quality, stress frequency and severity, dietary habits, water and caffeine intake, physical activity, smoking status, blood pressure, blood sugar, migraine frequency, gastrointestinal discomfort, family history of chronic diseases, and self-perceived lifestyle risk. Statistical analysis was performed with PowerDrill AI. Descriptive statistics summarized variables, Spearman correlation assessed associations, and outliers were identified using the interquartile range method. Stress levels varied across weeks, peaking in week two due to maximum stress reports. Sleep duration correlated positively with sleep quality and negatively with stress frequency (r = −0.25). Frequent fast-food intake was linked to daily gastrointestinal discomfort, while moderate caffeine consumption was associated with longer sleep. Most participants had normal blood pressure (62.3%) and blood sugar (78.4%), though elevated sugar was more common than low levels. Family history of chronic disease increased perceived lifestyle-related risk. Lifestyle factors among medical students are interrelated, with stress, sleep, diet, and family history shaping both perceptions and health indicators. Holistic interventions are needed to promote resilience and long-term health.