Research code: IR.IUMS.FMD.REC.1400.623
Ethics code: IR.IUMS.FMD.REC.1400.623
Clinical trials code: IR.IUMS.FMD.REC.1399.477
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , hrbaradaran@tums.ac.ir
Abstract: (502 Views)
Introduction:
Sleep is a vital biological process crucial to human health and well-being. Approximately one-third of our lives are spent asleep, and sleep disruption can significantly impact our quality of life. Poor sleep quality is linked to increased stress, irritability, depression, and overall dissatisfaction with life. Disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle can also affect other physiological functions, such as appetite, energy levels, concentration, and the exacerbation of diseases.
Sleep disorders negatively affect individuals' quality of life, including general health, physical and cognitive performance, and mental well-being. Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of daytime sleepiness and subsequent occupational and social accidents. Moreover, individuals experiencing sleep deprivation are more prone to irritability, aggressive behaviors, and reduced social interactions.
Poor sleep quality or excessive daytime sleepiness can affect overall performance, quality of life, emotions, thoughts, and motivation. It can also exacerbate stress and pain and delay wound healing. It is estimated that 30 to 45% of the global population suffers from sleep problems.
The prevalence of sleep disorders in the general population is high. It has been associated with significant health issues such as decreased performance and productivity, behavioral changes, mood disturbances, changes in dietary habits and lifestyle, as well as various physical and mental illnesses such as hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, rheumatism, and mood disorders.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a global public health crisis, posing threats to the physical and mental health of individuals and affecting their quality of life. Within less than a year since its spread worldwide, COVID-19 has infected over fifty million people and caused over one million deaths globally. This disease can infect various segments of society due to its high transmissibility. Healthcare providers are particularly at risk due to their direct contact with patients, which imposes a significant physical and psychological burden on them.
Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of acute infectious diseases such as SARS can cause mental disorders such as anxiety and depression in affected individuals and even healthy individuals in the community, which have adverse effects on sleep quality. Recent studies have also shown that sleep disorders, including insomnia, are among the common complaints of medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, this study aims to determine the sleep quality of medical interns at Iran University during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the associated risk factors. By understanding the impact of the pandemic on the sleep quality of medical interns, appropriate interventions can be implemented to improve their well-being, performance, and, ultimately, the quality of healthcare services provided.
Method:
The present study was designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders and associated factors among medical interns at Iran University during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study population consisted of all medical interns who interned in affiliated hospitals of Iran University in the 2020-2021 academic year, including local and transfer students. Sampling was conducted through a census to include all eligible medical interns. Their names and information were obtained from the university's educational department.
Demographic information collected during internship: age, gender, marital status, residency status, height, weight, satisfaction with health, current hospital department, and tobacco use. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire: This is a well-known self-report questionnaire used to assess the sleep quality over the past month. It consists of 19 questions and seven different components, which are scored to obtain an overall score. The components include subjective sleep quality, latency, duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction. The PSQI has been used in various populations and fully validated and tested for reliability in its original and Persian versions. It has a sensitivity of 89.6% and a specificity of 86.5% in identifying sleep disorders and problems. A final PSQI score greater than or equal to 6 indicates poor sleep quality, while a score below 6 indicates good sleep quality.
After data collection, the collected data were entered into SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and central statistical measures, including mean and standard deviation, were used for quantitative data. Qualitative data were presented as percentages for each group.
Result:
The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders and associated factors among medical interns at Iran University during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 227 medical interns participated in the study, representing a response rate of 75%. Most participants were male (58.1%) and single (83%). The mean age of participants was 25 years.
The participants' average final sleep quality score was 8.24, ranging from 0 to 20. Using a cutoff score of 6, indicating poor sleep quality, the prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality among medical interns during the pandemic was 64.3%.
There was a significant association between sleep quality and gender, with a higher prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality reported among female interns (73%) compared to male interns (57%) (p=0.01).
There was no significant link found between body mass index (BMI) and sleep quality (p=0.1). However, a significant positive correlation was observed between self-rated sleep quality in the last month and overall sleep quality. Participants who reported better sleep quality had higher overall sleep quality scores (p=0.01).
Furthermore, there was a significant association between sleep quality and tobacco consumption, with individuals who reported tobacco use having poorer sleep quality (p=0.01). Sleep quality was also significantly associated with the clinical department in which interns worked, with those in central departments such as internal medicine, surgery, and infectious diseases reporting poorer sleep quality than those in minor departments (p=0.01).
Additionally, interns who reported higher satisfaction with their health had better sleep quality than those who were less satisfied (p=0.03). However, no significant associations were found between sleep quality, living arrangements, or marital status (p=0.9, p=1.65).
Discussion:
The findings revealed a high prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality among medical interns, with 64.3% of participants reporting poor sleep quality.This high prevalence is concerning and suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated stressors have significantly impacted the sleep quality of medical interns. Previous studies conducted among medical students in non-pandemic situations have reported lower rates of sleep disorders, indicating that the pandemic has exacerbated sleep problems among medical interns.
Gender was found to be significantly associated with sleep quality, with female interns reporting higher rates of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality compared to male interns. This finding is consistent with previous research showing higher rates of sleep disorders among females in the general population. The reasons for this gender difference in sleep quality among medical interns need further investigation.
It was observed that there is no significant link between the body mass index (BMI) and the quality of sleep among medical interns. This suggests that the BMI does not have a significant effect on the sleep quality. Therefore, interventions for enhancing sleep quality should focus on areas other than weight management.
Self-rated sleep quality over the past month was significantly correlated with overall sleep quality, suggesting that individuals who perceive their sleep quality to be better also have higher overall sleep quality scores. This highlights the importance of subjective sleep assessments in evaluating sleep quality among medical interns.
Tobacco consumption was found to be significantly associated with poorer sleep quality among medical interns. This finding is consistent with previous research showing the negative impact of tobacco use on sleep quality. Interns who reported tobacco use may benefit from interventions aimed at reducing or quitting tobacco consumption to improve their sleep quality.
Sleep quality was also significantly associated with the clinical department in which interns were working. Those in central departments, such as internal medicine, surgery, and infectious diseases, reported poorer sleep quality than those in minor departments. This finding suggests that the nature of work and exposure to COVID-19 patients in central departments may contribute to poorer sleep quality among interns.
Additionally, interns who reported higher satisfaction with their health had better sleep quality than those who were less satisfied. This finding highlights the importance of overall well-being and satisfaction with health in maintaining good sleep quality.
Interestingly, no significant associations were found between sleep quality, living arrangements, or marital status. This suggests that these factors may not significantly impact sleep quality among medical interns during the pandemic.
In conclusion, this study found a high prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality among medical interns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the need for interventions and support to improve the sleep quality and overall well-being among medical interns in Iran university. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions to address sleep problems among medical interns during pandemics.
Sleep is a vital biological process crucial to human health and well-being. Approximately one-third of our lives are spent asleep, and sleep disruption can significantly impact our quality of life. Poor sleep quality is linked to increased stress, irritability, depression, and overall dissatisfaction with life. Disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle can also affect other physiological functions, such as appetite, energy levels, concentration, and the exacerbation of diseases.
Sleep disorders negatively affect individuals' quality of life, including general health, physical and cognitive performance, and mental well-being. Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of daytime sleepiness and subsequent occupational and social accidents. Moreover, individuals experiencing sleep deprivation are more prone to irritability, aggressive behaviors, and reduced social interactions.
Poor sleep quality or excessive daytime sleepiness can affect overall performance, quality of life, emotions, thoughts, and motivation. It can also exacerbate stress and pain and delay wound healing. It is estimated that 30 to 45% of the global population suffers from sleep problems.
The prevalence of sleep disorders in the general population is high. It has been associated with significant health issues such as decreased performance and productivity, behavioral changes, mood disturbances, changes in dietary habits and lifestyle, as well as various physical and mental illnesses such as hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, rheumatism, and mood disorders.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a global public health crisis, posing threats to the physical and mental health of individuals and affecting their quality of life. Within less than a year since its spread worldwide, COVID-19 has infected over fifty million people and caused over one million deaths globally. This disease can infect various segments of society due to its high transmissibility. Healthcare providers are particularly at risk due to their direct contact with patients, which imposes a significant physical and psychological burden on them.
Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of acute infectious diseases such as SARS can cause mental disorders such as anxiety and depression in affected individuals and even healthy individuals in the community, which have adverse effects on sleep quality. Recent studies have also shown that sleep disorders, including insomnia, are among the common complaints of medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, this study aims to determine the sleep quality of medical interns at Iran University during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the associated risk factors. By understanding the impact of the pandemic on the sleep quality of medical interns, appropriate interventions can be implemented to improve their well-being, performance, and, ultimately, the quality of healthcare services provided.
Method:
The present study was designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders and associated factors among medical interns at Iran University during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study population consisted of all medical interns who interned in affiliated hospitals of Iran University in the 2020-2021 academic year, including local and transfer students. Sampling was conducted through a census to include all eligible medical interns. Their names and information were obtained from the university's educational department.
Demographic information collected during internship: age, gender, marital status, residency status, height, weight, satisfaction with health, current hospital department, and tobacco use. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire: This is a well-known self-report questionnaire used to assess the sleep quality over the past month. It consists of 19 questions and seven different components, which are scored to obtain an overall score. The components include subjective sleep quality, latency, duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction. The PSQI has been used in various populations and fully validated and tested for reliability in its original and Persian versions. It has a sensitivity of 89.6% and a specificity of 86.5% in identifying sleep disorders and problems. A final PSQI score greater than or equal to 6 indicates poor sleep quality, while a score below 6 indicates good sleep quality.
After data collection, the collected data were entered into SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and central statistical measures, including mean and standard deviation, were used for quantitative data. Qualitative data were presented as percentages for each group.
Result:
The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders and associated factors among medical interns at Iran University during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 227 medical interns participated in the study, representing a response rate of 75%. Most participants were male (58.1%) and single (83%). The mean age of participants was 25 years.
The participants' average final sleep quality score was 8.24, ranging from 0 to 20. Using a cutoff score of 6, indicating poor sleep quality, the prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality among medical interns during the pandemic was 64.3%.
There was a significant association between sleep quality and gender, with a higher prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality reported among female interns (73%) compared to male interns (57%) (p=0.01).
There was no significant link found between body mass index (BMI) and sleep quality (p=0.1). However, a significant positive correlation was observed between self-rated sleep quality in the last month and overall sleep quality. Participants who reported better sleep quality had higher overall sleep quality scores (p=0.01).
Furthermore, there was a significant association between sleep quality and tobacco consumption, with individuals who reported tobacco use having poorer sleep quality (p=0.01). Sleep quality was also significantly associated with the clinical department in which interns worked, with those in central departments such as internal medicine, surgery, and infectious diseases reporting poorer sleep quality than those in minor departments (p=0.01).
Additionally, interns who reported higher satisfaction with their health had better sleep quality than those who were less satisfied (p=0.03). However, no significant associations were found between sleep quality, living arrangements, or marital status (p=0.9, p=1.65).
Discussion:
The findings revealed a high prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality among medical interns, with 64.3% of participants reporting poor sleep quality.This high prevalence is concerning and suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated stressors have significantly impacted the sleep quality of medical interns. Previous studies conducted among medical students in non-pandemic situations have reported lower rates of sleep disorders, indicating that the pandemic has exacerbated sleep problems among medical interns.
Gender was found to be significantly associated with sleep quality, with female interns reporting higher rates of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality compared to male interns. This finding is consistent with previous research showing higher rates of sleep disorders among females in the general population. The reasons for this gender difference in sleep quality among medical interns need further investigation.
It was observed that there is no significant link between the body mass index (BMI) and the quality of sleep among medical interns. This suggests that the BMI does not have a significant effect on the sleep quality. Therefore, interventions for enhancing sleep quality should focus on areas other than weight management.
Self-rated sleep quality over the past month was significantly correlated with overall sleep quality, suggesting that individuals who perceive their sleep quality to be better also have higher overall sleep quality scores. This highlights the importance of subjective sleep assessments in evaluating sleep quality among medical interns.
Tobacco consumption was found to be significantly associated with poorer sleep quality among medical interns. This finding is consistent with previous research showing the negative impact of tobacco use on sleep quality. Interns who reported tobacco use may benefit from interventions aimed at reducing or quitting tobacco consumption to improve their sleep quality.
Sleep quality was also significantly associated with the clinical department in which interns were working. Those in central departments, such as internal medicine, surgery, and infectious diseases, reported poorer sleep quality than those in minor departments. This finding suggests that the nature of work and exposure to COVID-19 patients in central departments may contribute to poorer sleep quality among interns.
Additionally, interns who reported higher satisfaction with their health had better sleep quality than those who were less satisfied. This finding highlights the importance of overall well-being and satisfaction with health in maintaining good sleep quality.
Interestingly, no significant associations were found between sleep quality, living arrangements, or marital status. This suggests that these factors may not significantly impact sleep quality among medical interns during the pandemic.
In conclusion, this study found a high prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality among medical interns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the need for interventions and support to improve the sleep quality and overall well-being among medical interns in Iran university. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions to address sleep problems among medical interns during pandemics.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
medical education
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