Consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and energy drinks associated with academic performance and socioeconomic status of medical students

Abstract

Introduction/Objective University students from low-income families may face many challenges during their studies, which may affect their academic experience and outcomes. The aims of this study were to assess some lifestyle characteristics and academic performance of medical students and their relationship to family income.

Methods A cross-sectional study included 2551 undergraduate medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, in Belgrade, Serbia.

Results According to multivariate analysis, in comparison with students from families with income lower than two national average salaries, students with higher family income significantly more frequently finished gymnasium before the Faculty of Medicine, more frequently were in emotional relationships, were more frequently smokers and alcohol and energy drink consumers, and less frequently reported academic pressure.

Conclusion The present study emphasizes that socioeconomic status is not associated with the academic success of undergraduate medical students. Students from higher status feel less academic pressure, they more often consume cigarettes, alcohol, and energy drinks, and they are more likely to have an urban background and have highly educated parents who work as private company employees, which can be indicators of the specific economic climate in Serbia. Further studies are needed to strengthen evidence-based decision-making.

Keywords: alcohol consumption; cigarette smoking; energy drinks; epidemiology; medical students