Keywords
higher education
student well-being
sleep
technology use
How to Cite
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the relationship between lifestyle factors, sexual and reproductive health, sleep habits, technology use, and perceptions of academic success and well-being among Portuguese higher education students. The study sought to characterize behaviors related to sexual and reproductive health, identify challenges associated with student parenthood, explore associations between sleep quality, technology use, and life-academic balance, as well as understand students’ perceptions regarding institutional support in these areas. This was a quantitative, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study conducted with 104 students from a Portuguese higher education institution. Data collection was carried out through an anonymous online questionnaire structured into five sections: sociodemographic data, academic performance, lifestyle habits, technology use, and sexual/reproductive health. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and Spearman correlations through IBM SPSS Statistics (v.28). The results demonstrated significant associations between poor sleep quality, excessive technology use, and higher academic fatigue. Most participants considered themselves sexually active and perceived sexual life as having greater influence on emotional well-being than on direct academic performance. Students with children reported higher stress levels and insufficient institutional support. It was concluded that sexual and reproductive health, sleep habits, and technology use directly influence student well-being, highlighting the need for more inclusive institutional policies and psychosocial support strategies in higher education.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ana Nuno, Cecilia Fonseca, Joana Magalhães, Hugo Miguel Carvalho (Author)