Publication:

Clinical and psychological predictors of poor sleep quality among non-medical university staff in Myanmar: a cross-sectional study

Background Sleep quality influences productivity and overall well-being. Evidence on the clinical and psychological predictors of sleep quality among non-medical staff in medical and allied universities in Myanmar remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality and identify its independent predictors among non-medical university staff.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 non-medical staff from seven medical and allied universities in Myanmar between January and August 2025. Data were collected using guided self-administered questionnaires covering socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes mellitus status, sleep quality, and mental health. Sleep quality and mental health were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21), respectively. Blood pressure was measured using WHO-validated digital sphygmomanometers. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of poor sleep quality.

Results The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 39.3%. Participants had a mean age of approximately 42 years; 83.3% were female and 57.2% were married. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were present in 5.4% and 28.9% of participants, respectively. Anxiety (aOR=2.88, p<0.001), depression (aOR=2.21, p=0.016), and diabetes mellitus (aOR=2.63, p=0.045) were significant independent predictors of poor sleep quality, whereas stress was not.

Conclusions Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent among non-medical university staff. Anxiety, depression, and diabetes mellitus were significant predictors. University wellness programs should prioritize mental health screening, diabetes management, and routine sleep quality assessment.