Daytime sleepiness among Omani Nursing Students: Estimate of its determinants and impact on perceived stress

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence of daytime sleepiness among Omani Nursing Students; determine statistical linking between the personal, academic and sleep related variables of the Omani Nursing Students and their daytime sleepiness scores; and appraise the correlation between the Omani Nursing Students’ daytime sleepiness scores and perceived stress scores. MethodsA cross-sectional research design was employed. The Bachelor of Science nursing students, with an active registration status from a renowned university in Oman were included in the study. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to assess daytime sleepiness and stress index, respectively. Descriptive statistics, the independent ‘t’ test, and ANOVA were used to summarize the data. ResultsThe prevalence of daytime sleepiness was 57.4% (ESS > 10). Severe excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS > 16) was estimated at 12%. The nursing students’ ESS scores were significantly associated with use of stimulants, program study track, cohort, previous semester GPA, and sleep hours on the day before examination. A weak positive correlation was found between ESS scores and PSS scores. ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of daytime sleepiness among Omani nursing students. There is a need for awareness programs to address daytime sleepiness. Activation of universal preventive programs on sleep hygiene, and healthy sleeping habits among nursing students is to be initiated.