Sleep Quality and Its Associated Factors: A Comparative Study of Undergraduate Students of the University of Port-Harcourt

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Keywords:

Sleep Quality, Students, Sleep, Substance-Related Disorders, Sleep Hygiene

Abstract

Background: Sleep quality is a critical determinant of health and academic success, yet university students remain at high risk for sleep disturbances. In resource-limited settings like Nigeria, students navigate unique infrastructural and socio-economic stressors that may exacerbate poor sleep architecture.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its association with sociodemographic factors, academic workload, sleep environment, electronic use, stress, physical activity, and substance use.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 undergraduates selected via a multistage sampling technique across four faculties. Participants were chosen using a computer-generated random number sequence based on official class lists to minimise selection bias. Sleep quality was assessed using the validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), alongside a structured questionnaire evaluating lifestyle and academic variables. A global score >5 was defined as poor sleep quality. Data were analysed using SPSS version 31, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality (Global PSQI >5) was 58.02% (n = 246), with a mean global score of 6.36 ± 3.47. Component analysis identified sleep disturbances (M = 1.32) and prolonged sleep latency (M = 1.07) as the most significant issues. Statistically significant associations with poor sleep were found for employment status (p = 0.002), perceived stress levels (p = 0.003), and recreational drug use (p = 0.009), while other variables, such as academic workload and environmental factors like room lighting and screen time, had no significant associations.

Conclusion: Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent among undergraduates at the University of Port-Harcourt. Stress, employment, and recreational drug use significantly influence sleep outcomes. Institutional interventions promoting stress reduction, health education, and substance use prevention are recommended to improve students’ sleep hygiene, mental well-being, and academic performance.

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Published

2026-08-18

How to Cite

Alabintei, N., Ajoku, E., & Akpan, A. (2026). Sleep Quality and Its Associated Factors: A Comparative Study of Undergraduate Students of the University of Port-Harcourt. International Journal of Medical Students. Retrieved from https://ijms.info/IJMS/article/view/4718

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Forthcoming

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Abstracts of the WCMSR

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ndutimi Alabintei, Ebubechukwu Ajoku, Abigail Akpan

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