Association between screen time and sleep quality among undergraduate medical students: A cross-sectional study
Abstract
With advances in technology, screen time has become a central component of daily life for children and adolescents, often serving as their most common sedentary activity. Understanding the potential impact of excessive screen time on students is crucial, as it directly affects their sleep quality, which in turn influences their academic performance.
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of screen time and examine its association with sleep quality among medical students.
A cross-sectional study was conducted at North Delhi Municipal Corporation Medical College, involving undergraduate medical students across all four academic years.
In this study, nearly half (48%) of the students reported daily screen time exceeding 2 h, indicating a high prevalence of screen time. Sleep quality was normal in 59% of the students, while 41% (83 students) reported poor sleep quality. Only 17% of students stated that they had never experienced sleep disturbances. A negative correlation between screen time and sleep quality was observed, with increased screen time associated with poorer sleep quality.
This study reveals a high prevalence of screen time among medical students, which is negatively correlated with sleep quality.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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