Night Eating Syndrome Among University Students in Bangladesh: Investigation of Prevalence and Associated Factors

Objective

Night eating syndrome (NES) has been associated with psychological issues and academic performance among university students in several countries, yet research on NES in Bangladesh remains limited. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with NES among university students in the country.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 500 students from five public universities in Bangladesh. A validated 14-item night eating questionnaire was used to assess NES as the outcome variable. Demographic factors, depressive symptoms measured via the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and internet addiction levels measured via Orman's Internet Addiction Survey (OIAS) were explored as predictor variables. A multiple binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the correlation of NES and its associated factors, with results presented as adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and level of significance set at p values < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of NES among participants was 16.6% (mean age = 21.6 years, 53.6% male). Adjusted binary logistic regression revealed that male participants (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.09–3.74, p = 0.024), smoking (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.02–4.44, p = 0.044), depressive symptoms (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.26–3.72, p = 0.005), and severe internet addiction (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.28–5.62, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with increased odds of experiencing NES.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the need for heightened healthy eating awareness programs along with targeted mental health interventions with students attending Bangladeshi universities. Further research that explores longitudinal patterns of NES and the risk factors addressed in this study is warranted to better understand and inform the development of future interventions to benefit the Bangladeshi university student population.