Demographic, Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Associated With Sleep and Loneliness Problems Among Adolescents: A Two‐Part Approach Applied to Pooled Cross‐Sectional Data

• Published in: Psychology in the schools Vol. 62; no. 9; pp. 3090 - 3104
• Main Authors: Cheah, Yong Kang, Kee, Chee Cheong, Lim, Kuang Kuay, Tan, Lay Kim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.09.2025
• Subjects: Adolescents; Alcohol use; Carbonated beverages; Consumers; demographic factors; Demography; Drug abuse; Environmental aspects; Environmental Influences; Fast food; Food; Food security; Healthy food; High risk; Life Style; lifestyle; Lifestyles; Loneliness; Risk factors; Sleep; Sleep deprivation; Teenagers; Truancy
• ISSN: 0033-3085; 1520-6807
• DOI: 10.1002/pits.23524

ABSTRACT This study examines the influences of demographic, lifestyle and environmental factors on sleep and loneliness problems (SLP) among adolescents in Malaysia. SLP was formed based on the magnitudes of adolescent sleep deprivation and loneliness. Its scores were derived from five responses to two questions related to sleep deprivation and loneliness. The minimum and maximum scores were 0 and 8, respectively. Data were obtained from two cross‐sectional surveys. Lognormal hurdle models were utilized. Females, high grade levels and having divorced/widowed parents were associated with severe SLP. Positive relationships existed between SLP and being physically active, alcohol consumption, and use of illicit drugs. Adolescents at high risk of SLP were more likely to have inadequate intake of fruit and vegetable, and consume fast food. Going hungry, truancy, and poor parental connectedness and bonding were risk factors for SLP. Adolescents tended to experience serious SLP if they were physically attacked, involved in physical fights and bullied. Non‐Malays and soft drink consumers were less likely to encounter SLP but had higher scores of SLP than others. School authorities are advised to ensure food security, encourage students to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitor students' attendance records, address disciplinary problems and detect criminal elements among students. Summary Gender, grade levels, ethnicity and parental marital status significantly predict SLP. Adolescents who are physically active, consume alcohol and use illicit drugs tend to experience SLP and have high scores of SLP. Adolescents with severe SLP are more likely to have inadequate intake of fruit and vegetable, consume fast food, go hungry, play truant, be without parental connectedness and bonding, be physically attacked, be involved in physical fights, and be bullied.