A Mansouri, Y Mokhayeri, E Mohammadi Farrokhran , Z Tavakkol , A Fotouhi ,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (20 2012)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Sleep quality is an important factor in student life
and affects in their learning process. Sleep problems are related to increased
health concerns, irritability, depression, fatigue, attention and concentration
difficulties, along with poor academic performance. The aim of this paper is to
conduct a survey based on a questionnaire that would characterize the quality
of sleep in students living in dormitories of Tehran University of
Medical Sciences (TUMS).
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the stratified random
sampling approach on 277 students residing in dormitories in Tehran. A
demographic questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used
for data collection.
Results: Mean (CI) of PSQI in students was 8.57 (8.10- 9.04). Using
the cut-off score of 6 for the PSQI global score, 73.3% (68.1%-78.5%) of
students were described as poor sleeper. Female students had a worse quality of
sleep compared to male. The mean duration of sleep in students was 5:15´± 105´
(hours). This was significantly higher in male students than female students.
There were no significant relationships between demographic variables such as
age, academic level, marital status and family income with and quality of
sleep.
Conclusion: This study showed that poor sleep quality is prevalent
among students living in dormitories of TUMS. Therefore it is necessary to
provide effective educational interventions for this group in order to improve
the quality of sleep.
