Eating, Sleep, Attitudes, and Stress Risk in Physical Therapy Students

Eating Habits, Sleep Patterns, Attitudes, and Risk of Stress Among Physical Therapy Students

The goal of this observational study is to assess how eating attitudes, sleep attitudes, and perceived stress contribute to early indicators of cardiovascular risk among undergraduate physical therapy students aged 18-30. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Do unhealthy eating attitudes correlate with increased perceived stress levels? Does poor sleep quality predict higher behavioral risk for cardiovascular disease?

Participants will complete validated self-reported questionnaires, including:

The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)

Data will be collected once, either electronically or on paper, and all responses will be coded anonymously. There is no intervention or comparison group, as the study is purely observational.

This observational study explores how lifestyle-related psychological factors-including eating attitudes, sleep attitudes, and perceived stress-interrelate and contribute to early behavioral indicators of cardiovascular risk among undergraduate physical therapy students. The study focuses on a population frequently exposed to academic pressure, irregular schedules, and altered lifestyle habits, which may predispose them to long-term health risks.

Participants will complete three standardized self-report instruments: the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). These tools were selected for their established validity in assessing eating behaviors, sleep quality, and stress perception in young adult populations. Scores from each measure will be analyzed to determine correlations among the variables and their combined ability to predict early cardiovascular risk patterns.

Data collection occurs once for each participant, with no intervention or follow-up required. Responses will remain anonymous, and no clinical procedures, biological samples, or physical assessments will be conducted. The study aims to generate foundational evidence that may inform future preventive strategies and wellness programs targeted at university students, particularly those in health-related fields.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-30 years.
• Enrolled as an undergraduate Physical Therapy student.
• Able and willing to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of cardiovascular, metabolic, or psychiatric disorders.
• Current use of medications that affect appetite, sleep, or mood.
• Incomplete or inconsistent responses to the study questionnaires.