Poor sleep quality and its association patterns with eating disorders, body composition and physical activity among university students in Douala-Cameroon.
Poor sleep is common among university students and is linked to higher risk of eating disorders and changes in body composition. Addressing sleep quality could be important for student health.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the lypressin corpusSummary and findings
This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its associations with eating disorders, body composition, and physical activity among 522 university students in Douala, Cameroon. Poor sleep was prevalent in 73.7% of participants and was associated with higher risk of eating disorders, increased BMI, and altered body composition. The study used questionnaires and physical measurements to assess these associations.
Abstract
<h4>Introduction</h4>Poor sleep (PS) impacts university students' life including risk of eating disorders (EDs), changes in anthropometric parameters and body composition. However, physical activity (PA) protects against PS and its consequences. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PS and its association patterns with EDs, body composition, and PA.<h4>Methodology</h4>A cross-sectional study was conducted among students at the University of Douala, Cameroon. PS, the risk of EDs, and PA were assessed using the PSQI, the SCOFF, and the IPAQ questionnaires, respectively. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body composition were measured.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 522 students (female dominance, 61.7%) was included. The prevalence of PS was 73.7% and 35.6% for risk of EDs with females' dominance (40.0%; <i>P = 0.007</i>). In univariate analysis PS in overall population was associated with high level of PA (aOR:1.77, <i>P = 0.01</i>), risk of EDs (aOR:1.55, <i>P = 0.04</i>), BMI (aOR: 1.23, <i>P = 0.001</i>), fat mass (aOR: 1.08, <i>P = 0.001</i>) and body water (aOR: 0.92, <i>P = 0.001</i>). In male, PS was associated with moderate (aOR: 1.91, <i>P = 0.03</i>) and high PA (aOR: 2.94, <i>P = 0.001</i>), risk of EDs (aOR: 1.69, <i>P = 0.047</i>). In female, PS was associated with BMI (aOR: 1.40, <i>P = 0.001</i>), WC (aOR: 1.09, <i>P = 0.03</i>), fat mass (aOR: 1.25, <i>P = 0.001</i>), and body water (aOR: 0.32, <i>P = 0.0006</i>). In multivariate analysis, PS in males was linked with high PA (aOR: 0.95, <i>p</i> = 0.03), while moderate (aOR: 5.98, <i>p</i> = 0.02) and high level (aOR: 5.19, <i>p</i> = 0.02) in females.<h4>Conclusion</h4>PS is highly prevalent among university students and is significantly associated with the risk of EDs, anthropometric parameters, body composition, and PA.
Background
The study addresses the impact of poor sleep quality on university students, focusing on its association with eating disorders, body composition, and physical activity. Poor sleep is known to affect various aspects of health, including mental well-being and physical health. Understanding these associations is important for developing interventions to improve student health.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 522 university students in Douala, Cameroon, with a female dominance of 61.7%. Poor sleep quality, risk of eating disorders, and physical activity levels were assessed using the PSQI, SCOFF, and IPAQ questionnaires, respectively. Measurements included BMI, waist circumference, and body composition.
Results
The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 73.7%, and the risk of eating disorders was 35.6%, with a higher prevalence in females (40.0%, P = 0.007). Poor sleep was associated with high physical activity (aOR: 1.77, P = 0.01), risk of eating disorders (aOR: 1.55, P = 0.04), BMI (aOR: 1.23, P = 0.001), fat mass (aOR: 1.08, P = 0.001), and body water (aOR: 0.92, P = 0.001). In males, poor sleep was linked with moderate (aOR: 1.91, P = 0.03) and high physical activity (aOR: 2.94, P = 0.001), while in females, it was associated with BMI (aOR: 1.40, P = 0.001), waist circumference (aOR: 1.09, P = 0.03), fat mass (aOR: 1.25, P = 0.001), and body water (aOR: 0.32, P = 0.0006).
Interpretation
The study highlights a high prevalence of poor sleep among university students and its significant associations with eating disorders, body composition, and physical activity. While the associations are statistically significant, the cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions. The findings align with previous research suggesting poor sleep impacts health, but further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality.
Key findings
- 73.7% prevalence of poor sleep quality among students.
- 35.6% prevalence of risk of eating disorders, with females at 40.0% (P = 0.007).
- Poor sleep associated with high physical activity (aOR: 1.77, P = 0.01).
- Poor sleep associated with risk of eating disorders (aOR: 1.55, P = 0.04).
- Poor sleep associated with BMI (aOR: 1.23, P = 0.001) and fat mass (aOR: 1.08, P = 0.001).
Limitations
- cross-sectional design limits causal inference
- self-reported questionnaires may introduce bias
- single-site study at University of Douala
- female dominance in sample may limit generalizability