Assessment of Lifestyle and Dietary Patterns Among Students at the University of Human Development in Sulaimani City: A Cross‐Sectional Study 2025–2026

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ABSTRACT Background and aim In Sulaimani, Iraq, university students often engage in lifestyle behaviors that may influence their dietary habits, nutritional health, and overall well‐being. This study aimed to assess the lifestyle characteristics, dietary patterns, and associated predictors among students at the University of Human Development. Method This cross‐sectional study was conducted from February 11th to February 20th, 2025, across eight academic departments at the University of Human Development, using Convenience sampling technique. The questionnaire included demographic information, lifestyle indicators, sleep and activity patterns, medical history, and a detailed food frequency section. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Chi‐square tests, ANOVA, and binary logistic regression were conducted to assess associations between dietary patterns and demographic, behavioral, and health‐related variables. Results A total of 330 university students participated in the study. Fruit and vegetable consumption was suboptimal, while refined carbohydrate intake was high (white rice: 46.36% daily; white bread: 36.06% daily). Students who always slept after midnight had higher odds of following a non‐routine dietary pattern (OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.01–5.89; p = 0.047). Those who never achieved 7–8 h of sleep were also more likely to report non‐routine dietary behavior (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.00–4.30; p = 0.050). Regular gym or swimming activity was associated with lower odds of non‐routine dietary patterns (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.31–0.85; p = 0.01). Additionally, consistent electronic device use at bedtime was associated with increased odds of dietary irregularity (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.01–4.13; p = 0.048), and a family history of obesity was associated with higher odds (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.00–3.07; p = 0.049). Conclusions This cross‐sectional study found that university students in Sulaimani exhibited suboptimal dietary patterns associated with poor sleep hygiene, low physical activity, excessive screen time, and a family history of obesity. Future longitudinal and intervention‐based studies are needed to establish causal relationships and evaluate the effectiveness of campus‐based health promotion programs.

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