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. 2018 Jul-Aug;11(4):260-268.
doi: 10.5935/1984-0063.20180041.

Sleep disturbances, academic performance, depressive symptoms and substance use among medical students in Bogota, Colombia

Julián Esteban Barahona-Correa  1 , Juan Diego Aristizabal-Mayor  1 , Pieralessandro Lasalvia  1 , Álvaro J Ruiz  2   3 , Patricia Hidalgo-Martínez  3   4
Affiliations

Sleep disturbances, academic performance, depressive symptoms and substance use among medical students in Bogota, Colombia

Julián Esteban Barahona-Correa et al. Sleep Sci. 2018 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Objective: Poor sleep patterns are common in undergraduates and may turn them prone to mood disorders, substance abuse and impaired academic performance. The aim of this study was to assess sleep disturbances among medical students, and whether associations with academic performance, depressive symptoms or substance use were present.

Methods: Cross-sectional study in which 544 medical students of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia were included. Using a computer-based survey, self-reported variables were assessed, including demographics, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Berlin Questionnaire, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) - IV depression criteria, Grade Point Average (GPA), and substance use. Associations between these variables were obtained.

Results: Fifty-four percent of students were women. Poor sleep quality (PSQI>5) and daytime sleepiness (ESS>10) were found in 65% of the population. A higher GPA was more frequent in students with good sleep quality (OR= 2.6 [1.5-4.5]), lack of daytime sleepiness (OR= 2 [1.3-3.1]) and low risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) (OR= 3.1 [1.6-5.9]). DSM-IV depression criteria were fulfilled by 26% of the students and were associated with poor sleep patterns. Energy drinks use was associated with poor sleep quality.

Discussion: Poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms are frequent among medical students and are associated with lower academic performance. The identification of students at risk and the implementation of targeted interventions are warranted. Fostering adequate sleep habits and training on sleep medicine may partly counteract these issues.

Keywords: Latin America; Mood Disorders; Sleep; Sleep Disorders; Students, Medical; Substance-Related Disorders.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of PSQI by semester. A score of more than 5 in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) define bad sleepers.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Depressive symptoms and GPA>4 distribution by PSQI. Solid line denotes depressive symptoms. Dotted line denotes GPA >4. Abbreviations: GPA Grade Point Average, PSQI Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Substance exposure at least once in the last month. Stimulants include methylphenidate - Ritalin, methamphetamine - “Meth”. Tranquilizers include diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam, etc.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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