Factors associated with sleep disorders among Health College Students in the Southwestern Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Due to their extended intensive study schedules, clinical duties, and high academic loads, health college students, especially medical students, are a section of the population that is more susceptible to sleep disturbances. The present study aimed to estimate the frequency and assess the factors associated with sleep disorders among health college students at Jazan University. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire distributed among the health college students at Jazan University. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-tests were employed for data analysis. Results: The study involved 764 participants, with an average age of 21.58 ± 2.12. The majority of the participants were females, accounting for 57% of the total sample. Almost half of the participants (49%) experienced at least one sleep disorder, with narcolepsy being the most prevalent sleep disorder among participants representing 36%. Being a Female gender, consuming caffeine, chewing Khat, spending more time on electronic devices, engaging in physical activity less the 2 hours before sleep with decreased hours of daily sleep, and sleeping at a later time were statistically associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing at least one sleep disorders (p =