Abstract
Background:
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a prominent complaint among students in health disciplines. However, the prevalence and impact of EDS on academic performance have been investigated among undergraduate respiratory therapy (RT) students in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of EDS and its impact on academic performance among undergraduate RT students in Saudi Arabia
Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was created and distributed to RT students between 5 January and 30 March 2023. Data are presented as frequencies and percentages. EDS prevalence was calculated using percentages and 95% confidence intervals. Logistic regressions were conducted to identify the associations between sociodemographics, sleep patterns, academic performance factors, and the presence of EDS.
Results:
A total of 925 RT students responded to the online survey. The prevalence of EDS was 32% (95% Cl: 0.23 – 0.35). Current smokers and ex-smokers were three times more likely to experience EDS compared to non-smokers [(OR): 3.28 (1.95–5.54); P < .001] and [(OR): 2.61 (1.35–5.07); P = .004], respectively. RT students who received more than three academic warnings were six times more likely to experience EDS compared to RT students who received no academic warnings [(OR): 6.4 (1.98–20.71); P = .002]. RT students who took four or more naps per week were 15 times more likely to experience EDS compared to RT students who did not take naps [(OR): 15.2 (6.94–33.35); P < .001]. RT students who reported sleeping more than nine hours the night before an exam were 11 times more likely to experience EDS compared to RT students who did not sleep that night before an exam [(OR): 11.3 (1.28–100.52); P < .029].
Conclusions:
EDS exists among RT students, although the majority were at the normal level. Several sociodemographic, sleep pattern, and academic performance risk factors may predict which students are susceptible to EDS.
Data are presented as frequency and percentage. View all access options for this article.Prevalence and severity of daytime sleepiness among RT students (n= 925).
Severity of Daytime Sleepiness
Frequency (%)
Normal
628 (67.9%)
Mild
138 (14.9%)
Moderate
114 (12.3%)
Severe
45 (4.9%)
Get full access to this article