1163 Do UK Core Surgical Trainees Lead Healthy Lifestyles?

Aim To understand whether UK Core Surgical Trainees (CSTs) lead healthy lifestyles as per NHS and government issued guidance on health behaviours, and whether their poor health behaviours are related to the demands of being a CST. Method An anonymised questionnaire addressing five areas of health (exercise, diet, smoking, alcohol, and sleep) was distributed in UK Deaneries to CSTs with a minimum of 6 months of CST training. Results 151 CSTs in eight deaneries responded (average Deanery response rate: 27%). 19% exercised ≥4 times per week. 41% exercised >2 hours per week. 33% reported sleeping ≥7 hours per night; 87% reported sleeping less since becoming a CST. 25% ate 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day, 46% reported eating a balanced diet. 20% drank ≥7 cups of fluid per day. 72-93% of individuals reporting poor health behaviours in these areas stated these were due to the demands and stressors of being a CST. 11% stated they smoked and 3% reported drinking ≥14 units of alcohol per week, 88% and 19% respectively reported deteriorations in these behaviours due CST demands and stressors. Conclusions Most CSTs do not lead healthy lifestyles regarding exercise, sleep, and diet. While it is recognised that surgical training is demanding, trainees must be encouraged to value these health behaviours to promote long-term quality of life, career longevity, and mental well-being for the individual. From an institution perspective, the health of surgical trainees should be promoted and supported to ensure an appropriate surgical workforce to meet the demands of our population.