Consequences of the academic evaluation stage on the habits and physical health of students in the medicine career of the University del Valle

Abstract

Introduction: Academic evaluation is a necessary stage in the training of the medical student; It can end in negative habits and stress that can influence physical health and performance; In this way, the objective of this work is to determine this relationship that directly affects medical students. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study in 110 medical students from the Universidad Privada del Valle in Cochabamba, between 18 and 25 years old; through closed surveys, their study habits and health were evaluated during evaluation stages; The information was processed in SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 24 and Microsoft Office Excel, version 2021. Results: 73 % of students reported negative effects on their habits during exams. 51 % indicated sleep problems, 31 % nutritional neglect and 19,8 % an increase in tobacco consumption; additionally, 80 % experienced weight changes, and 70 % slept less than 6 hours. Discussion: Academic stress generates negative changes in student well-being, affecting sleep, eating and tobacco consumption; these problems are common in Latin America; it is recommended to implement stress management programs and promote healthy habits in the evaluation stage.