The Relationship between Screen Time, Sleep Quality, and BMI among Students at the University of Jordan

Wafa' Taisir Ismail; Salem Atef Alqarra; Jad Fahmi Mazahreh; Ghazi "Mohammad Khair" Alkailani; Rami Saleh Halaweh; Mohammad Adel Alhindawi

doi:10.35516/Hum.2025.7891

Authors

Wafa' Taisir Ismail Department of Physical Education, School of Sport Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2869-314X
Salem Atef Alqarra Department of Physical Education, School of Sport Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3694-8110
Jad Fahmi Mazahreh Department of Movement Sciences and Sports Training, School of Sport Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0276-8967
Ghazi "Mohammad Khair" Alkailani Department of Physical Education, School of Sport Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7555-5110
Rami Saleh Halaweh Department of Movement Sciences and Sports Training, School of Sport Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9569-3433
Mohammad Adel Alhindawi Department of Movement Sciences and Sports Training, School of Sport Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6709-5822

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2025.7891

Keywords:

Screen time, sleep quality, BMI, gender differences

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between screen time, sleep quality, and BMI among students at the University of Jordan. Specific objectives include assessing the levels of sleep quality and average screen time, examining gender differences in these variables, and exploring their correlation with BMI.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 541 students (299 males and 242 females) from the University of Jordan. Participants completed health and lifestyle questionnaires, including the Sleep Quality Scale (SQS) and the Questionnaire for Screen Time of Adolescents (QueST). BMI was calculated from measured height and weight. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and correlation coefficients, were employed to explore the relationships between variables.

Results: The study found a moderate level of sleep quality among students (mean SQS score: 1.45). The average daily screen time was 4 hours and 31 minutes, with significant differences between males and females in non-academic screen time activities. A significant negative correlation was observed between sleep quality and BMI (p < 0.05). Additionally, higher screen time was significantly associated with higher BMI (p < 0.05), with gender differences observed in both sleep quality and screen time behaviors.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that prolonged screen time and poor sleep quality are prevalent among university students and are significantly associated with higher BMI. These insights highlight the need for interventions targeting screen time reduction and sleep quality improvement to promote healthier lifestyles and prevent obesity among students.

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