Dietary Habits and Diet Quality by Sleep Quality among University Students in Chungcheong
10.14373/JKDA.2026.32.2.72
- Author:
Ye-Eun YOON
1
;
Yujin SONG
;
Ji-Won KANG
;
Min Ju JO
;
Seung-Yeon CHOO
;
Mi-Kyeong CHOI
;
Yun-Jung BAE
Author Information
1. Major in Food and Nutrition, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong 27909, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
2026;32(2):72-84
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
This study examined sleep-related characteristics among university students and the associations between sleep quality, dietary habits, and diet quality.Three hundred and ninety-three university students (206 men and 187 women) enrolled at universities in the Chungcheong region of Korea participated in this study between November and December 2023. Data on the general characteristics, dietary habits, sleep status, and the Nutrition Quotient (NQ) for adults were collected using a structured questionnaire. The sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index– Korean version (PSQI-K). The participants were classified into a good sleeper group (PSQI-K≤5) and a poor sleeper group (PSQI-K≥6). The dietary habits and NQ scores were compared according to the sleep quality. Compared with good sleepers, poor sleepers had a significantly higher prevalence of eating alone at least once per day (P<0.01) and higher scores for unhealthy dietary behaviors, including overeating, eating quickly, a preference for salty food, skipping meals, and irregular meal timing (P<0.05). Although the total NQ scores and balance and practice domain scores did not differ according to sleep quality, the moderation domain scores were significantly lower among poor sleepers, particularly in men (P<0.05). In conclusion, poor sleep quality among university students was associated with unhealthy dietary habits and lower diet quality related to dietary restraint. These findings highlight the importance of improving sleep quality as a part of health education and dietary intervention programs for university students.
