Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between sleep quality, academic stress, and health perceptions among medical students at Fakeeh College in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This four-month cross-sectional study included 408 undergraduate medical students from various specialties at Fakeeh College. Participants completed an electronic self-administered questionnaire that comprised demographic information, academic performance indicators, health perception questions, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Results: The majority of participants (88.0%) were aged 18-22 years, with a near-equal gender distribution (51.0% male, 49.0% female). The overall mean PSQI score was 7.26, indicating moderate sleep disturbances among students. Older students (23-28 years) and females reported significantly higher PSQI scores, suggesting poorer sleep quality. Nursing and Pharmacy students also exhibited higher PSQI scores compared to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students. Health perception was strongly correlated with sleep quality; students with better health ratings reported lower PSQI scores. Examination-related stress significantly impacted sleep quality, with students experiencing higher levels of pain, anxiety, and reduced social activities reporting poorer sleep quality.
Conclusion: This study highlighted the significant impact of demographic factors, health perceptions, and academic stress on sleep quality among medical students. The findings suggested a need for targeted interventions to improve sleep hygiene and support mental health, particularly for older students, females, and those in demanding academic programs. Addressing these issues could enhance both academic performance and overall well-being.
Key words: Assessment, health consequences, sleep deprivation, students, exams
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