Comparison of Body Composition Changes in Nursing/Midwifery Students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at the Beginning and End of the First Semester

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.
In this cross-sectional study, all 57 newly entered nursing/midwifery students who had been registered in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2012, 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 18.
The students’ mean age was 19.12±0.83 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=0.023, P=0.032, and P=0.013, respectively). Body fat percentage in non-native students compared to the native ones increased (P=0.012). The percentage of underweight and overweight students did not show a significant difference at the beginning and end of the first semester (P=0.655).
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.