Impact of social media use on food habits, sleeping duration and weight status of Algerian university students

Abstract

Objectives

To assess food habits, sleep duration and weight status of university students. Also, to investigate the impact of social media use on students’ food habits, sleeping and weight status.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 Algerian university students, from February 2024 to May 2024. Data related to social media usage, eating habits, physical activity and sleeping was collected. Weight and height were measured and Body mass index was calculated and classified according to the recommendations. Statistics were performed using StatviewTM and SPSS software.

Results

The majority of students (59.0%) used social media for two hours and more per day. Overweight students were significantly (P < 0.0001) the most likely to use social media platforms. Students who used social media for more than four hours were the most likely to have irregular meals (P = 0.04), to skip breakfast, lunch, dinner (P < 0.05) and to snack between meals sugary and junk foods and drink sodas (P < 0.05). Students who used social media the most were those who sleep few hours (P = <0.0001).

Conclusion

The study elucidated a complex relationship between food habits, social media usage and weight status among university students. It highlighted prevalent irregular eating patterns and frequent meal skipping, compounded by the significant impact of social media on dietary behaviors.