Assessment of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviour in Medical Students Using the SMILE-C Criteria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: A healthy lifestyle plays a vital role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being. The Short Multidimensional Inventory Lifestyle Evaluation (SMILE) is a validated tool used to assess multiple dimensions of lifestyle behavior. The SMILE-C criteria have demonstrated reliability in healthcare settings and have shown associations between physical activity levels and healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Objectives: To assess lifestyle patterns using the SMILE-C criteria and determine the prevalence of healthy lifestyle behaviors among third-year medical students at Rawalpindi Medical University.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Data were collected from 191 third-year medical students using a Google Forms–based questionnaire adapted from the SMILE-C tool. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Non-parametric tests, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlation, were applied.

Results: Among the 191 participants, the median age was 21 years. A significant gender difference was observed in overall healthy lifestyle behaviors, with females demonstrating healthier practices than males (p = 0.03). No significant differences were found based on accommodation status or ethnicity. Moderate positive correlations were identified between social support and spiritual development, as well as between social support and restorative sleep.

Conclusion: Female medical students exhibited healthier lifestyle behaviors compared to males. Social support emerged as an important factor associated with spiritual well-being and sleep quality, highlighting the need for targeted lifestyle interventions in medical students.

Keywords: lifestyle patterns, SMILE-C tool, spiritual development, healthy lifestyle, physical activity