Sleep quality among undergraduate students of a medical college in Nepal during COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey

Shrestha, Dhan; Adhikari, Suman Prasad; Rawal, Namrata; Budhathoki, Pravash; Pokharel, Subashchandra; Adhikari, Yuvraj; Rokaya, Pooja; Raut, Udit

Background Good sleep quality is associated with a diverse range of positive outcomes such as better health, less daytime sleepiness, well-being, and proper psychological functioning. Sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality leads to many metabolic, endocrine, and immune changes. Many studies have shown changes in sleep schedule along with worsening of sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among students of a medical college in Kathmandu, Nepal from January 13, 2021, to February 15, 2021. A stratified random sampling technique was used. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Questionnaires that were completely filled were included and analyzed using STATA vs. 15. Results 168 medical students filled out the questionnaires with a response rate of 88.42%. 30.36% (n=51) of respondents were having poor quality of sleep (PSQI total score of > 5) with an average PSQI score of 4.24±2.19. Unadjusted logistic regression analysis showed significantly higher odds of poor quality of sleep among females (OR, 2.25; CI, 1.14-4.43) comparing to male and the relation persists even adjusting with age and year in medical school (aOR, 2.81; CI, 1.35-5.86) Adjusting with age and gender 4 (th)-year MBBS students were 82% less likely to have a poor quality of sleep compared to 2 (nd)-year MBBS students (aOR, 0.18; CI, 0.04-0.76). Poor quality of sleep is common among medical students. Conclusions More than a quarter of medical students have a poor quality of sleep as per our study. So, education and awareness should be aroused among medical students regarding the detrimental effects of poor quality sleep on daily activities, physical and mental well-being, and the overall quality of life.