Sleep quality and eating habits in health science students in the ecuadorian university context

Abstract

Introduction: University life entails lifestyle changes that may affect health and well-being, particularly sleep quality and eating habits. These factors can influence academic performance as well as physical and mental health. Objective: To determine the relationship between sleep quality and eating habits among students of the Faculty of Health Sciences at University Técnica del Norte, Ecuador. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with 476 students from Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, and Physiotherapy programs. A digital survey was administered, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Eating Habits Self-Test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis with the chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: Poor sleep quality was observed in 83.6% of participants, and 60% reported unhealthy eating habits. The chi-square test demonstrated a significant association between the two variables (p = 0.002). Conclusion: These findings are consistent with regional evidence reporting a high prevalence of sleep disturbances and inadequate dietary patterns among university students, reinforcing the need for institutional health-promotion interventions aimed at fostering healthier lifestyles.