Lifestyles, body mass index and sleep patterns among university students
Lifestyles, body mass index and sleep patterns among university students
Authors
Duran, Samuel
Crovetto, Mirta
Espinoza, Valentina
Mena, Francisco
Onate, Gloria
Fernandez, Macarena
Conuecar, Sofia
Guerra, Alvaro
Valladares, Macarena
Crovetto, Mirta
Espinoza, Valentina
Mena, Francisco
Onate, Gloria
Fernandez, Macarena
Conuecar, Sofia
Guerra, Alvaro
Valladares, Macarena
Authors
Date
Datos de publicaciĆ³n:
REVISTA MEDICA DE CHILE,Vol.145,1403-1411,2017
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Abstract
Background: Health surveys in Chile show a worrisome high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles among adults. Aim: To characterize the nutritional status, food intake and sleep patterns in university students of both genders. Material and Methods: Cross sectional study in seven Chilean universities. Students from six universities answered a feeding habits survey, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. All were weighed and their height was measured. Results: A total of 1,418 students aged 21 +/- 3 years (22% males) were evaluated. Three percent were classified as underweight, 68% as normal weight, 24% as overweight and 4% as obese. Thirty three percent of males and 28% of females smoked. Twenty six percent consumed at least one glass of alcoholic beverages on the weekend, and only 18% of males and 5% of females were physically active. Men consumed unhealthy foods with a significantly higher frequency than females. Twenty seven percent had mild daytime somnolence, 24% had moderate daytime somnolence, 50% had subclinical insomnia, 19% moderate insomnia, and 1.4% had severe insomnia. Conclusions: In this group of students a high frequency of unhealthy lifestyles and malnutrition caused by excess was observed. Also a high prevalence of insomnia, daytime somnolence, and inadequate sleep amounts were recorded.