Publication: Association between added sugar intake and body mass index (BMI) with sleep quality among undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia Kampus Kesihatan, Kelantan
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Date
2025-06
Authors
Haabil, Sofia Insyirah Muhammad
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Abstract
This study explores the association between added sugar intake, body mass index (BMI), and sleep quality among undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, Kelantan. This research aims to assess the dietary habits, specifically in cariogenic food and beverages, the influence of BMI, and the sleep quality, due to the concern of high sugar consumption over health implications that are rising nowadays. The study is crucial as it addresses gaps in the literature regarding the combined impact of added sugar, BMI, and sleep quality in Malaysian undergraduates which is a group that may be particularly vulnerable to unhealthy eating and sleep habits due to academic pressures and irregular lifestyles. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from students (n=140) through a Cariogenic Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and anthropometric measurements. The results revealed that most participants had moderate levels of added sugar intake, with a significant proportion experiencing poor sleep quality. BMI classifications indicated that majority of students in USMMK had a normal weight, while a smaller group was either overweight or obese. The study found no significant statistical associations between added sugar intake and sleep quality (χ²(2) = 2, p = 0.073). There are also no significant statistical associations between Body Mass Index (BMI) and sleep quality (χ²(2) = 3, p = 0.438). Also, similar results obtained where no significant association between added sugar intake and BMI (χ²(2) =, p = 0.073). Thus, this suggest that the relationship between these variables is complex and influenced by multiple factors. Additionally, the findings in this study mention the importance for targeted health interventions in university settings to improve dietary choices and quality of sleep among students. This research gives foundational insights that could guide future health promotion programs aiming to improve the well-being of students in universities and reduce the risk of longterm health which associated with issues of poor dietary and sleep patterns
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