Characterization of chronotype versus lifestyles, behaviors and eating habits in university students

Rivera-Portugal A.M.; Berroa-Garate H.C.; Paredes-Cárdenas M.E.; Landeo-Ponce V.A.; Quico-Cano D.A. · Revista Chilena de Nutricion (2026) · DOI: 10.64159/rchnut-53-3-2

Resumen

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between chronotype, eating habits, and lifestyles among university students from a region of Peru. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative, and correlational study was conducted, involving 373 students of both sexes over the age of 16. Previously validated instruments were used to evaluate the variables. Results: The results indicated a predominance of the intermediate chronotype (66.4%), followed by the morning chronotype (29.8%) and the evening chronotype (3.8%). Regarding lifestyle, 44.0% had a low level, while 0.8% obtained scores corresponding to the highest level. In terms of eating habits, 48.8% achieved a sufficient level, and 6.4% had poor habits. In addition, weak but significant positive correlations were found between chronotype and lifestyle (r = 0.24; p < 0.001), as well as between chronotype and eating habits (r = 0.22; p < 0.001). Although these relationships were weak, students with a more morning-oriented chronotype tended to have slightly better lifestyles and eating habits. In addition, a relationship was observed between chronotype, age, and sex: younger students were mainly associated with the intermediate chronotype and older students with the evening chronotype; males had a higher percentage of the morning chronotype, whereas females had a higher percentage of the intermediate chronotype. Conclusion: Chronotype was positively associated, although to a limited extent, with lifestyles and eating habits, appropriately reflecting the scope of the results and avoiding an overinterpretation of their causal relevance.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa