EPV1621 - Sleep disorders among medical students: Prevalence and associated factors
EPV1621
Sleep disorders among medical students: Prevalence and associated factors
S. Bradai 1,*, N. Ketata 1, H. Ben ayed 1, M. Ben Hamida 1, M. Kassis 2, J. Jedidi 3, S. Yaich 1
1Hedi Chaker hospital, 2Habib bourguiba hospital, 3faculty of medicine of sfax, sfax, Tunisia
Introduction: Sleep disorders are highly prevalent worldwide, and medical students (MS) are particularly vulnerable because of the considerable academic pressure they face
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of insomnia among medical students and to identify their associated factors
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a randomized sample of MS in Sfax, Southern Tunisia, during the Academic year 2024-2025. Data collection was performed using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire including the validated Insomnia Severity Index. A cut-off score of 8 or higher was adopted to determine the prevalence of insomnia among participants
Results: A total of 73 MS were eligible for the study. The median age was 21 years with an interquartile range (IQR)= [20-23,5 years]. There were 41 females (56.2%), giving a male to female ratio of 1.28. History of chronic disease was noted among 14 MS (19.1%) and 41 MS had neck pain (56.2%). As for lifestyle behaviours, 23 MS (31.5%) were smokers and 8 MS (11%) practised sports.
Prevalence of Insomnia among MS was 60.3% (n=44), of whom, 3 MS (6.18%) had Severe insomnia.
Insomnia was statistically associated with having chronic disease (OR=2,1; p=0,04), having neck pain (OR=1.951; p=0.011), depression (OR=1.715; p=<0.001), anxiety (OR=1.696; p=0.025) and stress (OR 1.409; p=0.013). Besides, practicing sports was statistically associated with lower prevalence of insomnia among MS (OR=0.21; P=0.034).
Conclusions: A high prevalence of Insomnia was observed among MS, with multiple psychological and lifestyle factors associated with insomnia. These findings highlighted the need to prioritize mental health interventions to promote well-being and improve sleep quality in this vulnerable population.
Disclosure of Interest: None Declared