Exploring the Interplay of Sleep Quality, Stress, and Academic Performance in Jordanian Medical Students: A National Perspective

Abstract

Background: Sleep is a fundamental biological activity crucial for brain function, memory processing, and learning. Medical students are particularly susceptible to sleep problems due to demanding schedules that potentially affect their cognitive performance and academic achievement. This study aimed to explore the relationship between sleep quality, psychological distress, and academic performance among medical students in Jordan. Methods: A self-reported cross-sectional survey was conducted, targeting medical students from six Jordanian universities. Participants completed a questionnaire including demographics, sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), psychological distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the academic performance of the past year, and other like studying related factors. Statistical analyses used descriptive and Chi-square tests to explore the associations between the studied variables. Results: The study involved 707 participants, predominantly females (62.8%), with the majority (38.5%) aged between 21 and 24 years old. A high prevalence of poor sleep quality was observed (74.4%), with a mean PSQI score of 8.16 ± 3.67. Psychological distress was prevalent (77%), with 36.5% of participants experiencing severe distress. The global score of PSQI did not show a significant association with the stress overall score(P-value = 0.6). However, the K10 distress score was significantly associated with all components of the PSQI scale except for component 6. Moreover, K10 score was significantly associated with Grade Average Points (GPA) and gender. Conclusion: This study highlighted the substantial prevalence of poor sleep quality and psychological distress among medical students in Jordan. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of sleep quality, psychological well-being, and academic performance. Although global PSQI scores did not correlate with psychological distress, various sleep quality components were associated with psychological distress and academic performance indicators. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to improve sleep quality and manage psychological distress to enhance the academic performance of medical students.