Sleep Quality in Medical Students and its Association with Internet Usage- A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT To examine sleep quality and its association with internet usage in undergraduate medical students. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 181 undergraduate medical students from January 2019 to March 2019. A predesigned, pretested, semistructured self-administered questionnaire including information on sociodemographic profiles and lifestyle questions was utilized. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) scale were applied. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Students with moderate to severe internet addiction showed a total mean score of 6.76 ± 2.45, while those with mild internet addiction had a total mean PSQI score of 6.58 ± 2.57. An increasing severity of internet addiction was associated with poor quality of sleep (22.45%) (P < 0.01). Scores of IAT were assessed in relation to sleep quality, showing that with an increased average total score of internet addiction (39.93 ± 10.36), there was an increasing occurrence of poor sleep quality (P < 0.05). Excessive internet use was linked to poor sleep quality (11.04 ± 1.99) and was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Internet usage among young adults has become an alarming public health concern. Practicing caution in its use can help mitigate its negative impacts on both physical and psychological health. Healthy living requires maintaining a balance through participation in sports, education, culture, and other engaging activities.