Poor sleep quality and its association patterns with eating disorders, body composition and physical activity among university students in Douala-Cameroon

Introduction 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. Methodology 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. Results 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%; P=0.007 ). In univariate analysis PS in overall population was associated with high level of PA (aOR:1.77, P=0.01 ), risk of EDs (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 male, PS was associated with moderate (aOR: 1.91, P=0.03 ) and high PA (aOR: 2.94, P=0.001 ), risk of EDs (aOR: 1.69, P=0.047 ). In female, PS was associated with BMI (aOR: 1.40, P=0.001 ), WC (aOR: 1.09, P=0.03 ), fat mass (aOR: 1.25, P=0.001 ), and body water (aOR: 0.32, P=0.0006 ). In multivariate analysis, PS in males was linked with high PA (aOR: 0.95, p = 0.03), while moderate (aOR: 5.98, p = 0.02) and high level (aOR: 5.19, p = 0.02) in females. Conclusion PS is highly prevalent among university students and is significantly associated with the risk of EDs, anthropometric parameters, body composition, and PA.