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A Study of Relationships Between Mental Well-Being, Sleep Quality, Eating Behavior, and BMI: A Cross-Sectional Study Among University Students

Author

Listed:
  • Linda Priede

    (Food Institute, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia)

  • Ilze Beitane

    (Food Institute, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia)

  • Loreta Beitane

    (Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia)

Abstract

The study aimed to conduct a multifaceted assessment of university students’ mental health, sleep quality, eating behavior, and BMI, and to investigate the relationships between these factors. The DASS-42 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), free-factor eating questionnaire R18V2, and BMI were the research instruments used. The study involved 397 university students, 59.9% of which were of a healthy weight. The average scores obtained in the student assessment indicated mild to moderate depression, moderate anxiety, and normal to moderate stress levels. The average uncontrolled eating score was 43.72 ± 14.69, cognitive restraint score—32.86 ± 30.58, and emotional eating score—31.14 ± 29.00. BMI was found to have a weak but significant correlation with cognitive restraint and emotional eating. Sleep quality was found to have a moderately strong correlation with depression, anxiety, and stress. A weak but significant correlation was confirmed between emotional eating and depression, anxiety, and stress. The students were at high risk of depression, anxiety, and stress, which was correlated with poor sleep quality and bad eating behavior. These results will be used to develop a support program that promotes students’ mental well-being, which is essential for academic success.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda Priede & Ilze Beitane & Loreta Beitane, 2025. "A Study of Relationships Between Mental Well-Being, Sleep Quality, Eating Behavior, and BMI: A Cross-Sectional Study Among University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(10), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:10:p:1465-:d:1755972
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    1. Marina Antonopoulou & Maria Mantzorou & Aspasia Serdari & Konstantinos Bonotis & Giorgos Vasios & Eleni Pavlidou & Christina Trifonos & Konstantinos Vadikolias & Dimitris Petridis & Constantinos Giagi, 2020. "Evaluating Mediterranean diet adherence in university student populations: Does this dietary pattern affect students' academic performance and mental health?," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(1), pages 5-21, January.
    2. Simeng Wang & Qi Sun & Lingling Zhai & Yinglong Bai & Wei Wei & Lihong Jia, 2019. "The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms among Overweight/Obese and Non-Overweight/Non-Obese Children/Adolescents in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-17, January.
    3. Violeta Clement-Carbonell & Irene Portilla-Tamarit & María Rubio-Aparicio & Juan J Madrid-Valero, 2021. "Sleep Quality, Mental and Physical Health: A Differential Relationship," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-8, January.
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