Date of Publication :15th February 2024

Abstract: The prevalence of anxiety disorders has significantly increased in recent years on a global scale. The outcomes of Covid-19 pandemic have clearly demonstrated the negative influence of abrupt lifestyle changes towards the mental health of population. The most significant contribution to mental equilibrium is made by change in place of residence, community, occupation and health changes. Combination of some of these negative factors can be seen in students studying abroad. Adaptation issues include cultural mismatch, linguistic hurdles, academic stress, and major dietary changes lead to various degrees of psychological imbalance in Indian medical students studying abroad. Eating disorders are one of the most common manifestations of high level of anxiety. In addition to having an effect on physical health, irregular eating habits can worsen mood swings, coping mechanisms, and general psychosocial development. The effects of lifestyle changes and the relationship between eating habits and anxiety are highlighted in this study, which looks at how Indian medical students adjust in Russia over the course of several academic years. The study aims to identify trends across several phases of medical education by examining the ways in which nutritional and cultural changes affect mental health and coping strategies.
The highest prevalence of elevated academic anxiety was observed in junior girls compared to boys (50% vs 16% respectively, p= 0.01), however, one third of the students, regardless of the duration of study at the university, have an increased level of academi c anxiety. But for juniors, anxiety levels are higher for situations like expectation from the exam whereas in seniors it is based on their ability to perform in the classes. Statistics from Spielberger-Hanin test showed that the reactive anxiety is the leading type of anxiety in all the groups but personal anxiety is the most prominent in junior girls. Additionally, nearly half of the participants demonstrated the presence of clinical anxiety. Eating pattern was found impaired in most of the students, where restrained and combined (e motional+restrained) type of eating is often observed in seniors and juniors respectively.
The results are intended to offer practical guidance for enhancing adaptation tactics, building resilience, and advancing the mental well-being and standard of living of students going through such changes.

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