Lifestyle-Related Predictors of Mental Well-Being and Depressive Symptoms among Young Adult Students at a Slovak University

Abstract

Mental health problems among university students represent an increasing public health concern worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess mental health and identify lifestyle-related factors associated with mental well-being and depressive symptoms among university students in Slovakia. The sample comprised 982 university students, aged 18–30 years. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire. Two composite indices were created: the Mental Well-being Index and the Depressive Symptoms Index. Lifestyle variables included smoking, physical activity, sleep difficulties, internet use, and social media use. Forward linear regression analysis was performed to examine independent associations between lifestyle-related factors and mental health outcomes. Women reported lower mental well-being and higher depressive symptoms than men. Sleep difficulties showed the strongest association with both mental well-being and depressive symptoms in men (β = −0.417 and β = 0.423, respectively; both p < 0.001) and women (β = −0.357 and β = 0.370, respectively; both p < 0.001). Physical activity was positively associated with mental well-being in men (p = 0.023) and women (p < 0.001). Among women, internet use was associated with lower mental well-being (p < 0.001) and higher depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). A significant interaction between sex and internet use was observed for mental well-being (p = 0.013), indicating that the association between internet use and mental well-being differed between men and women. In addition, current smoking compared with non-smoking was associated with higher depressive symptoms among women (p = 0.017). Sleep difficulties showed the strongest association with both depressive symptoms and mental well-being in this sample of university students in Slovakia. These findings may help inform university-based health promotion strategies focusing on healthy sleep habits, regular physical activity, and responsible internet use.