effects of electronic device use on the sleep quality of health science students in The United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT

The effect of sleep on an individual is a topic that has been studied on a global level for a significant period of time. However, studies in regards to sleep quality and the effect of electronic device use have not been investigated in the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. To investigate the frequency of electronic device use amongst health science students, to assess their sleep quality and to determine a possible association between electronic device use and sleep quality. The study was conducted among 301 Gulf Medical University [GMU] students who were selected from the four colleges of GMU. It was used the Validated self-administered questionnaire that encompassed in addition to sociodemography and electronic devices related information, a standardized questionnaire from the University of Pittsburgh which included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]; which was used to assess sleep quality. Data was recorded on an excel sheet and analyzed by SPSS version 20. The data was presented as charts and tables and Chi- Square test was used to determine possible association between sleep quality and electronic device use. All participants are using different forms of electronic devices, mobile was the most common used device [36.2%], 76.4% of participants use electronic devices for >3 hours/day. Long duration of use [>3h] was more common in females [p=0.006]. No significant association between the duration of use and other socio-demographic factors, 81.7% of students have poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was associated with students' missing class attendance and perceived effect on the mood. Putting the electronic device close to bed, or using them just before sleep were associated with perceived effect on sleep and mood [0.01 and 0.006 respectively]. All participants are using different forms of electronic devices A vast majority of students have poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality is associated with students' class attendance and mood