Lifestyle Behaviors and Cognitive Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Role of Lifestyle Factors Among Omani University Students

Poor coping among university students is widespread globally, yet few studies examine whether modifiable lifestyle risk factors are associated with this phenomenon. This study aims to assess the frequency of physical activity, chronotype, and disordered eating attitudes among students, and to determine whether these factors are associated with effective functioning in academic settings and subjective cognitive well-being. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Omani undergraduate students (<i>n</i> = 408) using a questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and instruments, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Morningness-Eveningness Chronotype Scale, the Eating Attitudes Test, and a measure of subjective cognitive well-being. Participants' mean age was 20.21 years (female = 74.3%). In total, 28.4% showed disordered eating attitudes, and half were physically active. 34.1% were classified as evening type. Independent regression analysis showed that chronotype was positively associated with physical activity (β = 0.06, <i>p</i> = 0.004). Disordered eating behavior did not significantly associate with physical activity (β = 0.1, <i>p</i> = 0.16). Moreover, physical activity was positively associated with cognitive function (β = 0.11, <i>p</i> = 0.039). However, the effect sizes were small, suggesting additional factors may contribute to these associations. This study is among the first to explore the influence of lifestyle factors on cognitive well-being in university students and may inform future studies and interventions targeting modifiable lifestyle behaviors to improve coping and academic functioning.