Relación entre los hábitos de vida, salud mental y funciones cognitivas en estudiantes de una institución de educación superior colombiana

Introduction: Lifestyle habits, mental health, and cognitive functions are closely interrelated dimensions among Colombian university students. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the relationship among these dimensions in students from the Faculty of Physical Culture, Sport and Recreation at Universidad Santo Tomás, Tunja Campus. Methodology: A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 142 students selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Lifestyle habits, emotional symptoms, and cognitive functions were assessed using standardized instruments, and correlation and regression analyses were performed. Results: Significant associations were found between several dimensions of lifestyle habits and depression, anxiety, and stress. Sleep and coping were the main predictors; higher levels of physical activity were associated with fewer depressive symptoms, whereas greater screen time was associated with increased symptoms. Cognitive functions showed no significant associations. Discussion: Although students in Physical Culture, Sport and Recreation programs are often considered a population potentially protected by regular exercise, the findings showed that they remain vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and stress. The strong correlations among these variables confirmed their co-occurrence, while sleep emerged as a key predictor, consistent with previous research. Conclusion: Lifestyle habits play an important role in the psychological well-being of university students, even among physically active populations. These findings support the strengthening of strategies aimed at promoting healthy sleep, effective coping, screen-time regulation, and emotional well-being.