Daytime sleepiness, poor sleep quality, eveningness chronotype, and common mental disorders among Chilean college students

Breakfast Frequency and Smoking Initiation in University Students: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Smoking causes various health problems. Limited studies have reported a clinical effect of skipping breakfast on smoking initiation among adolescents. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the dose-dependent association between skipping breakfast and smoking initiation in university students. This study included 17,493 male and 8880 female students aged 18-22 years at a national university in Japan. The association between breakfast frequency (eating every day and skipping occasionally, often, and usually) and smoking initiation was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for clinically relevant factors. Smoking initiation was observed in 2027 (11.6%) male and 197 (2.2%) female students over the median observational period of 3.0 and 3.1 years. Skipping breakfast was significantly associated with smoking initiation in a dose-dependent fashion in male students (the adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence interval] of eating breakfast every day and skipping occasionally, often, and usually: 1.00 [reference], 1.30 [1.15, 1.46], 1.47 [1.21, 1.79], and 1.77 [1.40, 2.25], respectively). Female students skipping breakfast occasionally and often were more vulnerable to smoking initiation than those who ate breakfast every day (1.00 [reference], 1.86 [1.24, 2.78], 2.97 [1.66, 5.32], and 1.76 [0.55, 5.64], respectively). Breakfast frequency may be useful to identify university students at risk of smoking initiation who need improvement in their health literacy.

Circadian preference and mental health outcomes in youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Youth is a vulnerable developmental period associated with an increased preference for eveningness and risk for developing psychopathology. Growing evidence suggests a link between eveningness and poorer mental health outcomes, but the findings in the current literature are inconsistent, and a comprehensive synthesis of evidence in this area remains lacking. This meta-analysis aimed to 1) synthesise the existing evidence on the association between circadian preference and mental health outcomes in youths and 2) explore potential sleep-related factors that may moderate the relationship between circadian preference and mental health outcomes. A systematic search of five electronic databases resulted in 81 observational studies included in the review. Eveningness was found to be significantly associated with general mental health (r = 0.20), mood-related disturbances (r = 0.17), and anxiety problems (r = 0.13). The qualitative review also identified that eveningness was associated with greater risks for psychotic symptoms and maladaptive eating behaviours. These findings highlighted the need to consider circadian preference in the clinical management of youth mental health problems. Further research is needed to examine the efficacy of a circadian-focused intervention in the context of youth mental health.

Factors associated with sleep quality in university students

To investigate factors associated with poor sleep quality. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 with random sampling. Information on sleep was obtained using the Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ). Independent variables included sociodemographic, behavioural, academic and psychological health characteristics. Adjusted analyzes were performed using Poisson regression. A total of 996 undergraduate students participated in the study. The poor sleep quality affected 23.1% of the sample (95%CI 20.5-25.9), ranging from 13.4% for those with little concern about violence in the neighbourhood to 36.5% for those with less social support. In the adjusted analysis, female sex [PR] 1.81; (95%CI 1.33-2.45), concern about violence in the neighbourhood [PR] 2.21; (95%CI 1.48-3.28), discrimination at university [PR] 1.42; (95%CI 1.08-1.86) and food insecurity [PR] 1.45; (95%CI 1.11-1.89) were associated with the presence of poor sleep quality, as well as having less social support and income and suffering psychological distress. The results highlight socioeconomic and mental health factors that affect sleep quality and demonstrate the need for reflection and interventions capable of minimizing this problem.

Sleep Hygiene Practices and Its Impact on Mental Health and Functional Performance Among Adults in Tabuk City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Poor or imperfect sleep hygiene practices include all factors that promote arousal or disrupt the normal balance of the sleep-wake cycle. It is necessary to clarify the relationship between sleep hygiene behaviors and a person's mental health. This may allow a better understanding of this problem and might help design effective awareness programs about good sleep hygiene practices for reducing the serious outcomes of this problem. Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate sleep hygiene practices and assess the impact of sleep hygiene on sleep quality and the mental health of the adult population of Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia. Methodology This cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia in 2022. All adult residents of Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia were invited to participate. Participants with incomplete data were excluded from the study. A self-administered questionnaire was developed by the researchers to assess sleep hygiene practices and their impact on the sleep quality and mental health of the study participants. Results The study included 384 adults. There was a significant association between the frequency of sleep problems and poor sleep hygiene practices (p < 0.001). The percentage of subjects who had problems sleeping during the past three months was significantly higher among those having poor sleep hygiene practices (76.5%) than their counterparts (56.1%). The rates of excessive or severe daytime sleepiness were significantly higher among individuals with poor hygiene practices (22.5% versus 11.7% and 5.2% versus 1.2%, p = 0.001). Participants with depression were found to be significantly higher among the poor hygiene group (75.8%) in comparison to those having good hygiene practices (59.6%) (p = 0.001). Conclusions The findings of the present study indicate significant associations between poor sleep hygiene practices and sleep problems, daytime sleepiness, and depression among adult residents of Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia.

Analysis of the Mental and Physical Health Symptomatology Scale in a Sample of Emerging and Migrant Adults in Chile

Health inequities exist in groups of greater psychosocial vulnerability such as emerging adults and migrants. The study aimed to generate evidence of the validity of the mental and physical health symptomatology scale in two samples of vulnerable groups: emerging university adults, who report high levels of mental health problems, and migrants, who report high levels of physical and mental health problems. Using non-probability sampling, in the first study, evidence of construct validity of the scale was reported in 652 emerging adults and, in the second, evidence of validity was provided from associations with the depression, stress and anxiety scale (DASS-21) among 283 migrants. The results indicate that in Study 1 the two-factor model had adequate indicators of fit and adequate reliability; only the mental health factor presented evidence of convergent validity. In Study 2, the mental health factor showed positive and large associations with the DASS-21, which decreased when the physical health symptoms factor was considered. These analyses provide evidence of validity for the scale, which is an easy-to-use instrument that allows for the assessment of health from an integral perspective.

Insomnia symptoms do, but chronotype does not show relevant associations with mental well-being and negative dream experiences

Chronotypes are diversely associated with sleep quality and mental health. Eveningness is generally associated with lower sleep quality and with increased risk for mental health complaints. Along with insomnia symptoms, frequent dysphoric dreams might be key elements of disturbed sleep, and may also indicate psychological imbalance. Our cross-sectional online study aimed to examine whether eveningness can be considered as an independent risk factor of poor mental well-being or whether this association is explained by symptoms of insomnia. Secondly, we examined the associations between eveningness and frequent dysphoric dreaming taking into account the influence of mental well-being and insomnia complaints. Method: We released an online survey with Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Athens Insomnia Scale, General Mental Health, and frequency of dysphoric dreaming: nightmares and bad dreams separately. We analyzed the data of 2077 participants (MAGE = 28.5, SD = 9.6). Eveningness showed a weak but independent association with mental well-being. Additional analyses showed no signs of associations between eveningness and dysphoric dreaming, such as nightmares and bad dreams. The frequency of bad dreams was associated with insomnia complaints and mental well-being, but nightmare frequency was only linked to insomnia symptoms, but not to mental well-being. Insomnia complaints emerged as a more robust factor in poorer mental well-being than the eveningness preference. Eveningness was not associated with dysphoric dreaming. Restoring insomnia might be essential in individuals at risk for mental health complaints.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and psychological health of female college students in Japan

The spread of COVID‐19 has dramatically changed our lives. This study aimed to examine the lifestyles of female college students, focusing on physical activity, sleep status, and anxiety status during the pandemic (a state of emergency) in Japan. 184 female college students completed two questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and daily activity log and diet record: 115 and 69 participants before and during the pandemic, respectively. Findings showed a significant decrease in physical activity: physical activity levels fell from “normal” to “low” and the daily step counts decreased by half, from 8671 to 4640. In addition, the results from the questionnaires revealed that half of the participants were at risk of having sleep disturbances, and their cycles became more nocturnal, which may have caused higher anxiety states and lower sleep quality during the pandemic. In addition, anxiety states worsened, with 100% of the participants experiencing high anxiety during the pandemic. Monitoring lifestyle disturbances during the pandemic is needed for the development of interventions to improve health among young women.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction and its Correlates Among Regular Undergraduate Medicine and Health Science Students at Ambo University. Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction:

Internet addiction (IA) is causing academic failure, decreased concentration ability, and a negative affective state. In Ethiopia, studies conducted on IA were limited; therefore, this study aimed to assess its prevalence and risk factors among medicine and health science (MHS) students of Ambo University.

Materials and Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional study and included MHS students of Ambo University from July 15 to August 15, 2021. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire after receiving informed consent from study participants. The results were analyzed using the statistical software for social sciences version 24. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to explore the relationship between IA and dependent variables.

Results:

Of the 253 participants who participated in the study, 201 (79%) were found to have an IA. Having one’s own computer, Internet access at home and an email account were 2 times more risky to develop IA compared to their counterparts with AOR = 2.615 (95% CI = 1.118-5.956) with a P value of .022, AOR = 2.154 (95% CI = 1.054-4.405) with a P value of .35 and (=2.154 (95% CI = 1.054-4.405 with a P value of .035 respectively. Additionally, those who use the Internet for news were 2.5 times more likely to develop IA compared to those who do not (AOR = 2.551 (95% CI = 1.225-5.349) with a P-value of .013). The use of the Internet for scientific research and education reduces IA by 0.7 times (AOR = 0.323 (95% CI = 0.120-0.868) with a P value of .025).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of IA was found to be high in this study. Therefore, strategies are needed to minimize the prevalence of this problem.

Poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness and association with mental health in college students

AIM

To estimate the prevalence of poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among college students and to analyse their association with aspects of mental health.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study carried out with 1113 college students, enrolled in full-time courses at a public university in the Mid-West region of Brazil. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire with questions about demographics, socioeconomics, mental health, sleep quality, and EDS. Measurements of weight and height were taken to assess weight status using the body mass index. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between perceived stress (classified as light, moderate, and high) and presence of depressive symptoms with poor sleep quality and presence of EDS.

RESULTS

High prevalence of poor sleep quality (65.5%) and EDS (55%) was observed. In the adjusted models, poor sleep quality was significantly associated with moderate and high perceived stress and presence of depressive symptoms. For EDS, there was also a significant association with moderate and high perceived stress and presence of depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

High prevalence of poor sleep quality and EDS was found among college students. Perceived stress and presence of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with both evaluated outcomes.

Social Psychological Predictors of Sleep Hygiene Behaviors in Australian and Hong Kong University Students

BACKGROUND

Sleep hygiene behaviors in undergraduate students are associated with night-time sleep duration and quality, daytime sleepiness, and psychological distress. This study aimed to identify the social psychological factors that impact on university students' sleep hygiene behaviors in samples from two countries.

METHOD

Participants were undergraduate students from Australia (N = 201, M_Age = 22.82, SD_Age = 8.89; 165 female) and Hong Kong (N = 161, M_Age = 20.47, SD_Age = 7.80; 84 female). The study used a correlational-prospective design. Individuals self-reported their intention, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and past behavior with respect to sleep hygiene behaviors. Four weeks later, the students self-reported their action plans and participation in sleep hygiene behaviors.

RESULTS

Analysis indicated acceptable model fit to data for both the Australian and Hong Kong samples. Results showed significant direct effects of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and past behavior on intention, and significant direct effects of action planning and past behavior on prospectively measured sleep hygiene behavior. There were also significant indirect effects of attitude, subjective norms (Hong Kong sample only), and perceived behavioral control on behavior mediated by intention and action planning. Overall, the model predicted a large portion of the variance in sleep hygiene behavior for both the Australian (R² = .524) and Hong Kong (R² = .483) samples. Schenker and Gentleman t tests found no parameters significantly differed between samples.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that university students' sleep hygiene behaviors are a function of both motivational and volitional processes. This formative data can inform future interventions to improve the sleep hygiene practices of university students.

Improving Stress Management and Sleep Hygiene in Intelligent Homes

High stress levels and sleep deprivation may cause several mental or physical health issues, such as depression, impaired memory, decreased motivation, obesity, etc. The COVID-19 pandemic has produced unprecedented changes in our lives, generating significant stress, and worries about health, social isolation, employment, and finances. To this end, nowadays more than ever, it is crucial to deliver solutions that can help people to manage and control their stress, as well as to reduce sleep disturbances, so as to improve their health and overall quality of life. Technology, and in particular Ambient Intelligence Environments, can help towards that direction, when considering that they are able to understand the needs of their users, identify their behavior, learn their preferences, and act and react in their interest. This work presents two systems that have been designed and developed in the context of an Intelligent Home, namely CaLmi and HypnOS, which aim to assist users that struggle with stress and poor sleep quality, respectively. Both of the systems rely on real-time data collected by wearable devices, as well as contextual information retrieved from the ambient facilities of the Intelligent Home, so as to offer appropriate pervasive relaxation programs (CaLmi) or provide personalized insights regarding sleep hygiene (HypnOS) to the residents. This article will describe the design process that was followed, the functionality of both systems, the results of the user studies that were conducted for the evaluation of their end-user applications, and a discussion about future plans.

Differences between male and female university students in sleepiness, weekday sleep loss, and weekend sleep duration

INTRODUCTION

Women and men experience sleep differently and the difference in intrinsic desire for sleep might underlie some of the observed male-female differences. The objective of this cross-sectional questionnaire study of university students was to determine male-female differences in self-reported sleepiness and sleep-wake patterns.

METHODS

Five questionnaires were completed by 1650 students at four Russian universities.

RESULTS

Compared to male students, female students reported a lower subjective sleep quality score, had a higher morning sleepability score and lower nighttime and daytime wakeability scores. They more often reported excessive daytime sleepiness and expected to be sleepier at any time of the day with the largest male-female difference around the times of sleep onset and offset. On free days, they reported a longer sleep duration and an earlier sleep onset. Free-weekday difference was larger for sleep duration and smaller for sleep onset. Such male-female differences showed similarity to the differences observed in university and high school students from different countries around the globe. There was no significant male-female difference in weekly averaged sleep duration, weekday sleep duration, hours slept, midpoint of sleep on free days, free-weekday difference in sleep offset, social jetlag, and morningness-eveningness score. Therefore, when studies rely on these self-reports, the most salient male-female differences might not be immediately evident.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that the intrinsic desire for longer sleep duration might contribute to a higher susceptibility of female students to weekday sleep loss. Among these students, negative effects of reduced sleep duration might be more common and more detrimental.

Associations Between Transgender Identity, Sleep, Mental Health and Suicidality Among a North American Cohort of College Students

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to examine the associations between transgender identity, sleep, and mental health among a North American cohort of cisgender and transgender college students.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed 221,549 North American college students from the 2016-2017 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II. Bivariate and multivariable analysis examined associations among transgender identity and outcomes of insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness, sleep disorder diagnoses and treatments. Mental health outcomes included mood symptoms, suicidal behaviors, anxiety and depression diagnoses and treatments.

RESULTS

Transgender identity was reported by 1.6% (n=3471) of United States (US) and 1.7% (n=717) Canadian students, respectively. Mean age was 22.5 ±6. Transgender college students have an increased prevalence of daytime sleepiness, insomnia symptoms, diagnoses and/or treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders as compared to cisgender college students. Mental Health symptoms are more prevalent with a 2-fold increase in depression and anxiety and nearly a 4-fold increase in suicide attempts among transgender students. A higher burden of mood symptoms exists among transgender college students in the US in comparison to Canadian students.

CONCLUSION

Transgender college students have an alarmingly high rate of mood, sleep disturbances and sleep diagnoses, and suicidality. Colleges and universities must provide sufficient resources to address the sleep and mental health needs of transgender students. Institutions must adopt gender affirming policies that promote an inclusive environment. Increased allocation of resources and adoption of policies that enhance the physical and mental health of transgender students could improve sleep, mood, and potentially lower the suicide risk among a population that often experiences health inequities.

Associations between Mental Workload and Sleep Quality in a Sample of Young Adults Recruited from a US College Town

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate associations between perceived mental workload (number of hours spent studying and perceived mental intensity) and sleep quality among young adults.

PARTICIPANTS

656 participants [62% male, median age (IQR) = 20 (19, 21) years] recruited from a US college town.

METHODS

As part of an online screener, participants answered questions about perceived workload and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)). Number of hours/day of mentally engaging work/study, and mental intensity score were the exposures, categorized into quartiles. Linear regression models were used for continuous sleep quality score, and modified Poisson models were used for poor quality sleep (>5 PSQI score) and individual sleep components, adjusting for sex, age, race, physical activity, and caffeine intake.

RESULTS

Higher mental work-hours were associated with lower-quality sleep; those in the highest quartile of mental work-hours had a 28% higher likelihood of poor sleep quality (95% CI 2% to 62%). Higher mental intensity scores were also related to lower quality sleep; comparing the highest to the lowest quartiles, there was a 45% higher probability of being a poor sleeper (95% CI 15% to 83%). Associations with PSQI components were partly sex-specific: while both sexes had associations between mental intensity and short sleep, males had positive associations with poor sleep quality and sleep medication use. Conversely, females with higher mental intensity reported higher-quality sleep overall and lower sleep medication use but lower sleep efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher mental workload is associated with lower overall sleep quality in young adults. Associations with individual sleep quality components differed by sex.

[Integrative review: psychological distress among university students and correlated factors]

This review sought to identify risk factors and protection from psychic distress among university students. Empirical studies were analyzed in the Web of Science, Medline and Scopus databases. A total of 1,375 articles were located, and after the exclusion criteria were applied, 37 articles made up the final sample, most of which were cross-sectional studies published in the last five years, in developed countries and with students in the health area. The most frequently used instruments for psychic distress screening were the General Health Questionnaire and the Self Reporting Questionnaire, which identified a prevalence of between 18.5% and 49.1% and, as risk factors, conditions related to academic life (24) and to health (22). Twelve studies identified as protective factors: given coping strategies, sense of coherence, self-efficacy, vigor, self-esteem, resilience, among other psychological conditions. This review singles out directions for possible interventions that could contribute to the well-being of students and to stimulate more positive experiences in the educational environment.

The effect of Imaginary Working Qigong on the psychological well-being of college students: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

College students are special populations that are particularly prone to have significantly high level of psychological distress than their community peers. Apparently, the best way to manage stress and mental state is through self-care. The characteristic of Qigong is self-directed and self-healing, which is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, which has the potential as a stress management intervention. Imaginary Working Qigong, as a kind of static Qigong, is more perception-oriented and can bring about benign sensations of mind and body so as to eliminate stress completely and induce physiological and mental relaxation. In this study protocol, we will systematically examine the feasibility and acceptability of Imaginary Working Qigong on psychological outcomes of the college students and deeply explore molecular biological mechanisms underlying the effects of mind adjustment induced Imaginary Working Qigong.

METHODS/DESIGNS

We will conduct a randomized, assessor and statistician-blinded, parallel-controlled trial exploring the beneficial mind adjustment of Imaginary Working Qigong in college students.A total of 80 eligible college students from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine will be recruited and randomly allocated into Imaginary Working Qigong training or unaltered lifestyle control group according 1:1 allocation ratio with allocation concealment. Imaginary Working Qigong training will last 8 weeks. The study period is 12 weeks including a 4-week supervised training, 4-week independence training, and a 4-week follow-up. Relevant psychological outcomes measurement will take place at baseline, 5 weeks (at the end of supervised training), 9 weeks (at the end of independence training), and 13 weeks (after the 4-week follow-up period) by blinded independent outcome assessors.

CONCLUSION

This is the first randomized controlled trial protocol from the perspective of Qigong connotation to systematically evaluate the effects and relevant molecular mechanism of Imaginary Working Qigong for the mental health of a college student population. If our study demonstrates a significant intervention effect, this would provide preliminary higher-quality evidence and establish a further guidance for the application of Imaginary Working Qigong program among a college student population.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol and consent forms have been approved by the medical and animal experiment ethic committee of BUCM (approval number: BJZYYDX-LL2014005).

Prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among dental students in Brazil

This study aimed to estimate prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) and associated factors among dental students. In this cross-sectional study, 230 students answered a questionnaire and instruments to assess CMD (Self Reporting Questionnaire-20), hazardous alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), social support (Social Support Scale), perceptions of academic life (Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure), coping (Ways of Coping Inventory) and resilience (Resilience Scale). Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney tests. Logistic regression included all explanatory variableswith p<0.20 in the bivariate analysis, besides sex and academic year. The explanatory variables were analyzed in five successive blocks (backward-stepwise), until all variables presented statistical significance in the final model (p<0.05). The prevalence of CMD was 45.2% (95%CI: 38.7–51.6), with no significant differences between sexes. Students with no extracurricular activities, who had negatively self- assessed their health status and their academic performance, were about four times more likely to present CMD, followed by receiving psychological or psychiatric treatment during university (AOR: 2.65; 95%CI: 1.1–6.1) and those with high scores for confrontive coping (AOR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.0–1.4). Resilience was a protective factor for CMD among dental students (AOR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.9–1.0). Aspects related to academic performance, health status and confrontive coping strategies were risk factors to students’ mental health. Individuals with high levels of resilience showed lower prevalence of CMD. Further prospective studies could contribute to understanding the role of resilience among this population.

Tobacco exposure and sleep disturbance in 498 208 UK Biobank participants

Background

The prevalence of sleep disturbance is high and increasing. The study investigated whether active, former and passive smoking were associated with sleep disturbance.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from the UK Biobank: a cohort study of 502 655 participants, of whom 498 208 provided self-reported data on smoking and sleep characteristics. Multivariable multinomial and logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between smoking and sleep disturbance.

Results

Long-sleep duration (>9 h) was more common among current smokers [odds ratio (OR): 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-1.85; probability value (P) = 0.001] than never smokers, especially heavy (>20/day) smokers (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.66-4.89; P < 0.001). Former heavy (>20/day) smokers were also more likely to report short (<6 h) sleep duration (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.25-1.60; P < 0.001), long-sleep duration (OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.47-2.71; P < 0.001) and sleeplessness (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.38-1.57; P < 0.001) than never smokers. Among never smokers, those who lived with more than one smoker had higher odds of long-sleep duration than those not cohabitating with a smoker (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.26-5.82; P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Active and passive exposure to high levels of tobacco smoke are associated with sleep disturbance. Existing global tobacco control interventions need to be enforced.

Association of sleep quality with sociodemographic factors and lifestyle in adolescents from southern Brazil

BACKGROUND

Good sleep quality is an essential component for growth, development, and physical and mental health of the individual, in addition to being a positive indicator of health and well-being. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of poor sleep quality and to identify the association of poor sleep quality with sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, weight status, and associated aerobic fitness in adolescents.

METHODS

This study included 1110 students aged 14-19 years from city of São José/SC, Brazil. Sleep quality of the subjects was assessed using a questionnaire and classified as adequate and low. Independent variables were gender, age, monthly household income, maternal education, school shift, global physical activity, proper diet, screen time, sleeping hours of full week, sleeping hours of weekdays, sleeping hours of weekends, weight status, and aerobic fitness. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and confidence intervals of 95%.

RESULTS

Prevalence of poor sleep quality was 60.4%. More likely to have poor sleep quality were identified in female students (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.11-2.55), whose mothers had higher levels of education (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.20-1.73) and low aerobic fitness (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.02-3.19).

CONCLUSION

Adolescents who were most likely to report poor sleep quality were female, those whose mothers had a higher educational level and had low aerobic fitness. Students with sedentary risk behavior were less likely of reporting poor sleep quality.

Perceived Stress Mediates the Associations between Sleep Quality and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression among College Nursing Students

Mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, are top concerns among college students. Poor sleep quality intensifies the risk of mental illnesses. However, the mechanism for the associations between sleep quality and mental illnesses in college students is not well understood. Online surveys were collected with 242 undergraduate nursing students at a public university in the northeast United States. Multivariate linear regression models suggested that poor sleep quality was associated with an increased risk of symptoms of anxiety (β = 1.08, p < 0.01) and depression (β = 1.00, p < 0.01). Perceived stress mediated the association between sleep quality and symptoms of anxiety by 85.3 %, and mediated the association between sleep quality and symptoms of depression by 60.0 %. This study suggested that in addition to sleep promotion, effective interventions to identify unique stressors in nursing students and facilitate the development of appropriate coping strategies are needed to enhance their mental health and well-being.

The effect of chronotype (morningness/eveningness) on medical students' academic achievement in Sudan

Objectives

There is increasing awareness about the effects of circadian misalignment on health and work. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of chronotype on academic achievement among medical students.

Methods

A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 140 medical students (64 who averaged an A grade and 76 who averaged a C grade) completing the clinical phase at the medical college of Omdurman University, Sudan. The participants were asked to sign a written informed consent and to keep a diary detailing their bedtime, wake-up time, sleep latency, and sleep duration during working days and weekends. Then, the participants were invited to respond to a questionnaire. The chronotype was calculated from the mid-sleep time during the weekend and sleep debt. Various sleep parameters were then compared between the two groups. A t-test and logistic regression analysis were used to test the statistical significance.

Results

The medical students with average grades were more of the evening chronotype than the students with excellent grades (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between the two groups regarding weekend bedtime, wake-up time, and sleep duration. In addition, significant differences were evident for weekday bedtime, sleep latency, and wake-up lag between weekdays and weekends. No differences were observed between the two groups during weekday wake-up time and sleep duration, chronotype between gender, and bedtime delay between weekdays and weekends (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Students whose average grade was a C were more likely to have a later bedtimes during weekdays and weekends, sleep more during weekends, and were more evening.

Common mental disorder and its association with academic performance among Debre Berhan University students, Ethiopia

Background

Common mental disorder (CMD) is prevalent in industrialized and non-industrialized countries. The prevalence of CMD among university students was 28.8–44.7% and attributed to several risk factors, such as schooling. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of CMD. In addition, the association between CMD and academic performance was tested.

Methods

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted with 422 students at Debre Berhan university from March to April 2015. CMD was the primary outcome variable whereas academic performance was the secondary outcome variable. Kessler psychological distress (K10) scale was used to assess CMD. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed for modeling the primary outcome variable; independent samples T test and linear regression analysis were carried out for modeling the secondary outcome variable. The strength of association was interpreted using odds ratio and regression coefficient (β) and decision on statistical significance was made at a p value of 0.05. Data were entered using EPI-data version 3.1 software and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.01 software.

Results

The prevalence of CMD was 63.1%. Field of study (p = 0.008, OR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.04–0.61), worshiping (p = 0.04, OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.02–3.35), insomnia (p < 0.001, OR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.21–6.57), alcohol drinking (p = 0.006, OR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.33–5.66), and headache (p = 0.02, OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.10–3.86) were identified risk factors for CMD. The mean cumulative grade point average of students with CMD was lower by 0.02 compared to those without CMD, but not statistically significant (p = 0.70, β = −0.02, 95% CI −0.15 to 0.10). CMD explained only 0.8% (r² = 0.008) of the difference in academic performance between students.

Conclusions

At least three out of five students fulfilled CMD diagnostic criteria. The statistically significant risk factors were field of study, worshiping, insomnia, alcohol drinking, and headache. Moreover, there was no statistically significant association between CMD and academic performance. Undertaking integrated evidence-based intervention focusing on students with poor sleep quality, poor physical health, and who drink alcohol is essential if the present finding confirmed by a longitudinal study.

Sleep and Mental Health in Undergraduate Students with Generally Healthy Sleep Habits

Whereas previous research has indicated that sleep problems tend to co-occur with increased mental health issues in university students, relatively little is known about relations between sleep quality and mental health in university students with generally healthy sleep habits. Understanding relations between sleep and mental health in individuals with generally healthy sleep habits is important because (a) student sleep habits tend to worsen over time and (b) even time-limited experience of sleep problems may have significant implications for the onset of mental health problems. In the present research, 69 university students with generally healthy sleep habits completed questionnaires about sleep quality and mental health. Although participants did not report clinically concerning mental health issues as a group, global sleep quality was associated with mental health. Regression analyses revealed that nighttime sleep duration and the frequency of nighttime sleep disruptions were differentially related to total problems and clinically-relevant symptoms of psychological distress. These results indicate that understanding relations between sleep and mental health in university students with generally healthy sleep habits is important not only due to the large number of undergraduates who experience sleep problems and mental health issues over time but also due to the potential to intervene and improve mental health outcomes before they become clinically concerning.

Chronotype, gender and general health

BACKGROUND

Light-dark alternation has always been the strongest external circadian "zeitgeber" for humans. Due to its growing technological preference, our society is quickly transforming toward a progressive "eveningness" (E), with consequences on personal circadian preference (chronotype), depending on gender as well. The aim of this study was to review the available evidence of possible relationships between chronotype and gender, with relevance on disturbances that could negatively impact general health, including daily life aspects.

METHODS

Electronic searches of the published literature were performed in the databases MEDLINE and Web of Science, by using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH), when available, or other specific keywords.

RESULTS

Results were grouped into four general areas, i.e. (a) "General and Cardiovascular Issues", (b) "Psychological and Psychopathological Issues", (c) "Sleep and Sleep-Related Issues" and (d) "School and School-Related Issues". (a) E is associated with unhealthy and dietary habits, smoking and alcohol drinking (in younger subjects) and, in adults, with diabetes and metabolic syndrome; (b) E is associated with impulsivity and anger, depression, anxiety disorders and nightmares (especially in women), risk taking behavior, use of alcohol, coffee and stimulants, psychopathology and personality traits; (c) E has been associated, especially in young subjects, with later bedtime and wake-up time, irregular sleep-wake schedule, subjective poor sleep, school performance and motivation, health-related quality of life; (d) E was associated with lowest mood and lower overall grade point average (especially for women).

CONCLUSIONS

Eveningness may impact general health, either physical or mental, sleep, school results and achievements, especially in younger age and in women. The role of family support is crucial, and parents should be deeply informed that abuse of technological devices during night hours may lead to the immature adjustment function of children's endogenous circadian pacemakers.

Perceived Stress and Coffee and Energy Drink Consumption Predict Poor Sleep Quality in Podiatric Medical Students A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

A cross-sectional survey administered to first- and second-year podiatric medical students aimed to investigate the effect of coffee intake, energy drink consumption, and perceived stress on sleep quality in medical students during their preclinical studies.

METHODS

Ninety-eight of 183 students contacted (53.6%) completed a questionnaire comprising standard instruments measuring sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness scale), and perceived stress (ten-item Perceived Stress Scale). Furthermore, we investigated coffee and energy drink consumption. Logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with poor sleep quality and the relation between sleep quality and academic performance (grade point average).

RESULTS

High prevalences of poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and perceived stress were reported. In addition, higher odds of developing poor sleep quality were associated with coffee and energy drink intake, perceived stress, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was inversely correlated with grade point average.

CONCLUSIONS

First- and second-year podiatric medical students have poor sleep quality. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies to reduce stress and decrease coffee and energy drink intake to minimize their negative effect on sleep quality and academic performance in podiatric medical students.