ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ACADEMIC STRESS, SLEEP DISTURBANCE, AND DIETARY HABITS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MBBS STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN

Jahanzaib  Ali; Fatima; Majida Khan

Authors

Jahanzaib Ali Liaquat university of medical and Health sciences LUMHS Jamshoro, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3282-7885
Fatima Oral experts group Australia. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0062-4931
Majida Khan LUMHS Jamshoro, Pakistan. Author

Keywords:

Academic Stress, Cross-Sectional Studies, Dietary Habits, Medical Students, Sleep Quality, Stress, Psychological

Abstract

Background: Medical education imposes high academic demands, often resulting in elevated stress levels that adversely affect sleep quality and dietary habits. Among medical undergraduates, these lifestyle disruptions may contribute to both physical and psychological health concerns. Understanding these associations is essential for promoting well-being and academic performance among future healthcare professionals.

Objective: To assess the relationship between academic stress levels, sleep quality, and dietary behaviors among MBBS students in Pakistan, and to explore the potential health implications of these interrelated lifestyle factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over five months among 320 undergraduate MBBS students from a medical college in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) for academic stress, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep assessment, and a semi-structured Dietary Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) for dietary habits. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression were applied to determine associations among variables. Significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The mean academic stress score was 3.42 ± 0.68, indicating moderate to high stress levels. Poor sleep quality (mean PSQI = 8.1 ± 2.9) was prevalent in 61.5% of participants, while 47.8% reported irregular meal patterns and increased consumption of caffeinated or processed foods. Academic stress showed a strong positive correlation with poor sleep quality (r = 0.56, p<0.001) and unhealthy dietary behaviors (r = 0.48, p<0.001). Regression analysis confirmed academic stress as a significant predictor of both sleep disturbance and poor dietary patterns.

Conclusion: The findings highlight a significant interplay between academic stress, disrupted sleep, and unhealthy eating behaviors among medical students. Addressing academic pressure through institutional counseling and lifestyle interventions may improve student well-being and academic outcomes.

Author Biographies

Jahanzaib Ali, Liaquat university of medical and Health sciences LUMHS Jamshoro, Pakistan.

MBBS (3rd year) Student, Liaquat university of medical and Health sciences LUMHS Jamshoro, Pakistan.
Fatima, Oral experts group Australia.

MBBS, Punjab medical college Faisalabad, Oral experts group Australia.
Majida Khan, LUMHS Jamshoro, Pakistan.

Assistant Professor, LUMHS Jamshoro, Pakistan.

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