Association between self-reported sleep quality and body mass index among Jimma University academic staff: Structural equation modeling

In 2022, obesity affected over 890 million adults globally, with 16% of individuals aged 18 and above classified as obese. The global obesity rate has more than doubled since 1990, with predictions indicating that by 2035, over 1 billion individuals will be classified as obese, equating to 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men. Concurrently, sleep quality has deteriorated, suggesting a potential correlation with obesity prevalence. However, limited research exists on the effects of sleep quality on obesity in Ethiopia. This study employed an institution-based cross-sectional design involving 427 academic staff members from Jimma University, selected through a two-stage cluster sampling method. Height and weight were measured by trained personnel, and sleep quality was assessed via a reliable self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis utilized Stata version 13.1, with structural equation modeling applied to evaluate the relationships among variables. The findings revealed that 32.3% of participants reported poor sleep quality, with a mean BMI of 22.7 (± 3.1) kg/m². Notably, 23.1% of respondents had a BMI exceeding 25 kg/m². The prevalence rates for depression, anxiety, and stress were 25.5%, 44.7%, and 16.62%, respectively. A significant inverse association was identified between poor sleep quality and body mass index (BMI), mediated by depression and obesogenic dietary behaviors. The study underscores the complex interplay between sleep quality, mental health, and dietary choices in influencing obesity among academic staff. It advocates for lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapies, and enhancements to the work environment to promote better sleep and weight management. Future research should further investigate the intricate relationships among sleep quality, lifestyle factors, and body mass index (BMI) to optimize intervention strategies.

Year: 2025

Reference: Ahmed, E., Gizaw, G., & Argaw, A. (2025). Association between self-reported sleep quality and body mass index among Jimma University academic staff: Structural equation modeling. BMC Nutrition, 11, 169. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01154-7