UNRAVELLING THE BREAKFAST PUZZLE: EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF SKIPPING BREAKFAST ON HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.

Abstract

This study investigated the association between breakfast skipping and hematological parameters among university students. Four hundred fifty students were randomly selected from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, with 259 males and 191 females aged between 18 and 25 years. Among the participants, 158 were breakfast-skippers and 292 were non-skippers. Anthropometric measurements and lifestyle questionnaires were collected, along with blood samples for complete blood count (CBC) analysis and lipid profile assessment. The results revealed that male participants had a higher prevalence of breakfast skipping (68%), while female participants were more likely to consume breakfast regularly (59%). Comparing breakfast skippers to non-skippers, significant differences were observed in several hematological parameters, including white blood cell count, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean platelet volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Additionally, gender differences were observed, with females exhibiting lower red blood cell counts and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration compared to males. These findings highlight the potential impact of breakfast skipping on hematological health in university students. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and long-term consequences. Promoting regular breakfast consumption among students may have beneficial effects on hematological parameters and overall well-being.