Associations of Sleep Time, Quality of Life, and Obesity Indicators on Physical Literacy Components: A Structural Equation Model

Abstract

Aim To verify the association between ideal sleep time and physical literacy components while also considering multiple mediators such as quality of life and obesity, using a sample of adolescents. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that consisted of 470 adolescents aged 11–17 years from southern Brazil. Sleep time, health-related quality of life, and physical literacy components (i.e., physical education enjoyment, sports participation, sedentary behavior, moderate to vigorous physical activity, sex, and age) were evaluated through self-reported questionnaires. In addition, body mass index (BMI) was obtained by dividing body mass by height (in meters) squared, and waist circumference was measured using a metallic tape. The theoretical/statistical support of the structural equation model was evaluated according to fit parameters and strength of association. Results A direct association was observed between more sleep time and lower levels of obesity. The obesity indicators also had a negative association with HqOL, and HqOL had a positive association with physical literacy. The indirect associations indicated that the ideal sleep time was positively associated with HqOL and physical literacy components, considering the negative mediation effect of obesity. The model explaining physical literacy explained 31% of the variance (R = 0.31). Conclusion There was an indirect association between ideal sleep duration and quality of life, and between both variables with physical literacy. These relationships occur even considering the negative influence of obesity. Therefore, a child who sleeps adequately has a higher likelihood of being physically active, regardless of obesity, potentially enhancing overall quality of life across various domains.