Abstract
BACKGROUND: First-year university students often face challenges in adapting to new academic, social, and living environments, which can lead to significant lifestyle changes and negatively impact their sleep quality (SQ) and overall quality of life (QoL). However, these issues remain insufficiently explored, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts; therefore, this study aims to examine the relationships among social support, lifestyle behaviors, SQ, and QoL among first-year students in Vietnam. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2021 to August 2022 involving 1,201 students from six universities within the Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, personal health behaviors, SQ using the Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS), and QoL with the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) scale. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants' characteristics, health status, and lifestyle behaviors. Multivariate linear regression models with stepwise selection were employed to identify factors associated with SQ and QoL. RESULTS: The study found that 40.1% of participants experienced sleep disturbances, with those affected reporting a significantly lower QoL (mean EQ-5D-5L: 0.86) compared to those without disturbances (mean EQ-5D-5L: 0.96). Poor lifestyle behaviors, including increased alcohol consumption and internet use, were prevalent among students facing sleep disruptions. Conversely, higher perceived social support was associated with improved QoL and SQ. CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the concerning prevalence of sleep disturbances and unhealthy lifestyle practices among first-year students, emphasizing social support's critical role in promoting better health outcomes. Interventions aimed at enhancing social support and addressing detrimental behaviors are essential for improving QoL and SQ in this demographic, particularly during their transition to university life.