Assessment of anxiety, sleep quality, and cognitive functions in underweight young adults: A pilot study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71152/ajms.v16i8.4621Keywords:
Anxiety; Stress; Memory; Underweight; CognitionAbstract
Background: It was documented that increased body mass index is associated with cognitive function deficits, in addition to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and insulin resistance. Weight was reported to improve physical activity and, thereby, improve cognitive functions. Weight reduction in patients with cognitive disorders helped to improve the same.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to assess the anxiety, sleep quality, and cognitive functions in underweight young adults.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study that included a total of 60 underweight young adults, and 60 age and gender-based normal-weight healthy adults were part of the study after obtaining written informed consent. Anxiety scores were assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder scale-7 questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which is a standard questionnaire. Spatial and verbal memory tests were used to assess the spatial and verbal memory of the participants.
Results: Spatial and verbal memory were significantly lower in the underweight participants when compared with the healthy individuals (P=0.0001). Significantly lower quality of sleep was observed in the underweight participants when compared with the healthy individuals (P=0.0001). Anxiety scores were significantly higher in the underweight participants when compared with the healthy individuals (P=0.0001).
Conclusion: The study results support that underweight individuals have higher anxiety and lower sleep quality. Significantly lower spatial and verbal memory was observed in the underweight individuals when compared with the healthy individuals. Further detailed studies with higher sample size are recommended in this area.
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