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

Linda Priede, Ilze Beitane () and Loreta Beitane
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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

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 10, 1-15

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.

Keywords: DASS-42; R18V2; PSQI; depression; anxiety; stress; uncontrolled eating; cognitive restraint; emotional eating (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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