Association of chronotype pattern on the quality of sleep and anxiety among medical undergraduates – a cross-sectional study

Feb 24, 2025International journal of adolescent medicine and health

Sleep quality and anxiety linked to daily activity patterns in medical students

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Abstract

76.5% of medical undergraduates displayed a neutral chronotype, with a mean Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire score of 50.18.

Evening chronotypes reported higher anxiety levels, with mean State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores of 56.09 for state anxiety and 49.09 for trait anxiety.
A significant association was found between evening chronotypes and poorer sleep quality, with a mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of 8.14.
56% of participants indicated poor sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
No significant correlations were observed between chronotype scores and variables such as sex, body mass index, or electronic media use.

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OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the relationship between chronotypes, sleep quality, and anxiety among medical undergraduates, providing valuable insights for academic institutions seeking to enhance student well-being.

METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used, involving 200 medical undergraduates who were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection included comprehensive clinical histories and the administration of three validated questionnaires: the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire Self-Assessment (MEQ-SA), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Participants were recruited during class breaks, and informed consent was obtained prior to participation.

RESULTS: The majority of participants (76.5 %; n=152) exhibited a neutral chronotype, with a mean MEQ score of 50.18 (±7.781). No significant correlations were found between MEQ scores and variables such as sex, BMI, or electronic media use. However, individuals classified as evening types reported higher anxiety levels, with mean STAI-S and STAI-T scores of 56.09 (±4.566) and 49.09 (±6.202), respectively (ANOVA, F=31.798, p=0.001; F=30.294, p=0.001). The mean global PSQI score was 6.00 (±2.553), with 56 % of participants reporting poor sleep quality. Evening chronotypes had significantly poorer sleep quality, as evidenced by higher PSQI scores (8.14±1.670) (ANOVA, F=43.663, p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the need for academic institutions to reconsider the alignment of academic schedules with students' chronotypes, potentially enhancing academic performance and reducing health risks. Despite these contributions, the study has limitations, including geographical and demographic constraints and reliance on self-reported data, suggesting the need for further research to provide more comprehensive insights.

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Association of chronotype pattern on the quality of sleep and anxiety among medical undergraduates – a cross-sectional study

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