Lifestyle and non-communicable diseases risk factors: Changes in Nutrition, Sleep Patterns, Tobacco Use, Mental Health, and Physical Activity During the First Three Years of University: A Cohort Profile

Background: University students, particularly in the medical sciences, go through lifestyle changes during their higher education that influence their health status. These changes could happen in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risk factors, including dietary intake, sleep patterns, use of tobacco, one's mental well-being, body dimensions, and physical activity status. The present study aimed to assess the above changes over the first three years of students’ education in Iran. Methods: The present study is a prospective cohort study to examine student lifestyle changes during the first three years of university. It evaluates the changes in lifestyle and NCDs risk factors over three years. In the first year, basic information was collected through a questionnaire, covering aspects such as nutrition, sleep patterns, tobacco use, mental health, and physical activity. Additionally, physical measurements—including height, weight, blood pressure, and waist circumference—were taken, along with laboratory examination for fasting blood sugar (FBS), liver enzymes, kidney function tests, and lipid profiles. In the second and third years, follow-ups on students' lifestyle changes will be conducted using similar questionnaires, and paraclinical tests will be repeated in the third year. To determine the sample size, the population proportion estimation formula was utilized, resulting in an initial estimate of 383 participants. This number was subsequently increased to 426 to account for a 10% non-response rate. Participants were selected proportionally based on the number of students in each faculty and stratified by gender. Newly arrived Iranian students over the age of 18 are eligible to participate. To ensure data accuracy, close supervision, observer training, and rigorous data quality control measures were implemented throughout the research process. Conclusion: The results of the study can help identify concerning patterns in student behavior and pave the way for the development of educational programs and interventions that enhance both students' physical and mental health while preventing the onset of NCDs in the future. Additionally, these findings could contribute to improved academic performance and increased productivity within academic environments.