Zinat Salem
Mahmood Sheikh Fathollahi
Maryam Shahabynejad

Background: Due to the nutritional status changes, students are considered as at-risk group. The aim of this study was to compare the body composition changes in nursing/midwifery students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS) using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) at the beginning and end of the first semester. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all ۵۷ newly entered nursing/midwifery students who had been registered in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in ۲۰۱۲, were selected using census method. Body composition using BIA, and students’ height and waist circumference using a tape meter were measured and compared at the beginning and end of the first semester. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, paired t-test, and non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-ranks test by SPSS ۱۸. Results: The students’ mean age was ۱۹.۱۲±۰.۸۳ years. The comparison of lean body mass, total body water, and height of students at the beginning and end of the first semester showed a significant increase (P=۰.۰۲۳, P=۰.۰۳۲, and P=۰.۰۱۳, respectively). Body fat percentage in non-native students compared to the native ones increased (P=۰.۰۱۲). The percentage of underweight and overweight students did not show a significant difference at the beginning and end of the first semester (P=۰.۶۵۵). Conclusion: At the end of the first semester, the increase percentage of body fat in non-native students was alarming. It seems that authorities should review the meal plan of students who live in dormitories and use healthy food pyramids for these students.

Body Composition, Nursing/Midwifery Students, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), Fat Mass, Lean Body Mass, Total Body Water