Association between Poor Quality of Sleep and Metabolic Syndrome in Ghanaian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

AIM: This study aimed to determine the association between quality of sleep and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and physical activity level in young adults at the University of Ghana. METHOD: In a cross-sectional design, 340 university students, aged between 20-30 years were recruited. Quality of sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality index (PSQI) and physical activity with the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Poor quality of sleep was defined as a global PSQI score>5 and low physical activity level as those not meeting the criteria for vigorous-moderate physical activity. Anthropometric features and blood pressures were measured, and fasting blood samples were collected from the participants to measure plasma levels of glucose, lipid profile, urea, and creatinine. MetS was defined using the Joint Scientific Statement criteria. RESULTS: In our study population of young adults from Ghana, the prevalence of poor quality of sleep as measured by PSQI was 54.1%, and MetS was 12.4%. MetS was associated with poor quality of sleep in females [OR (95%CI) = 2.11 (1.04–4.25), p = 0.038] and entire study participants [2.18 (1.09–4.37) p = 0.029] in both crude and adjusted models; no association was found in male participants. Low physical activity status was not associated with poor sleep status. Obesity [1.32 (1.02–3.56), p = 0.043], but not overweight [0.99 (0.58–2.34), p = 0.862], was associated with poor quality of sleep. CONCLUSION: Young adults in a Ghanaian university have a high prevalence of poor quality of sleep and is associated with MetS and obesity. Physical activity status was not associated with poor quality of sleep.