ESPE Abstracts (2016) 86 P-P2-511

aRiga Stradin’s University, Riga, Latvia; bChildren’s Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia


Background: According to World Health Organization, balanced diet and regular physical activity is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Objective and hypotheses: The aim of this study was to evaluate lifestyle habits of the healthcare personnel in Latvia.

Method: Data about eating habits, physical activity, duration of sleep and other lifestyle factors were collected from medical students, medical residents and specialized doctors working in Latvia.

Results: The study included 727 participants, 445 (61.2%) of them specialized doctors, 190 (26.1%) medical residents and 92 (12.7%) medical students. Only 72.1% doctors, 60.8% residents and 65.6% of students reported having balanced diet. Significant portion of respondent groups reported sleep <7 h (41.6%, 44.7% and 71.4% respectively). Only 3.9% doctors, 7.4% residents and 6.5% students observed the recommended frequency of moderate intensity physical activity of five times a week. The amount of respondents taking part in three times weekly high intensity physical activity was 10.1% of doctors, 14.2% residents and 15.2% students. BMI of doctors, residents and students was 25.90±4.07, 22.74±3.55, and 22.03±3.48 respectively, the BMI of doctors being significantly higher than that of other groups (P<0.001). The prophylactic visit to their general practitioners was attended by 56.0% of doctors, 67.2% residents and 64.1% students.

Conclusion: Medical personnel in Latvia often fail to maintain adequate diet, duration of sleep and physical activity. The study reported a tendency of Latvia’s doctors to be overweight. The low prophylactic health examination attendance rates display lack of care about their own health in a significant proportion of the healthcare personnel in Latvia.

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