Association of Sleep Duration and Physical Activity with Healthy Eating Habits Among Peruvian Secondary School Students

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Sleep duration and physical activity are key behavioral components in the development of healthy lifestyles during adolescence. In Peru, a considerable proportion of school students do not meet recommended levels of physical activity and may also experience insufficient sleep, which could negatively affect their eating habits. This study aimed to analyze the association between sleep duration, physical activity level, and healthy eating habits among Peruvian secondary school students. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 secondary school students aged 12 to 17 years. Sleep duration, physical activity, and eating habits were assessed using validated questionnaires. Associations were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test and multivariable binary logistic regression. Results: Students who slept 7 h had higher odds of having healthy eating habits compared with those who slept 6 h or less (aOR = 2.525; 95% CI: 1.181–5.536; p = 0.018). In addition, students with low levels of physical activity showed lower odds of having healthy eating habits compared with those with high levels of physical activity (aOR = 0.097; 95% CI: 0.005–0.564; p = 0.032). Conclusions: Sleep duration and physical activity were associated with healthy eating habits among Peruvian secondary school students. These findings support the importance of promoting integrated school-based strategies that jointly address sleep, physical activity, and nutrition during adolescence.