Publication:

Impact of screen time on sleep quality and sleep quality assessment using Pittsburgh sleep quality index among college students in Kollam district- a cross-sectional study

Background Screen time can be defined as the time spent using electronic device with screen. Sleep length and quality are frequently linked to excessive screen usage and exposure to screens before bedtime causes delayed sleep onset, shorter sleep duration and poor sleep quality, behavioural issues, obesity, depression, anxiety, and poor academic results.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study done among 303 college students from six different colleges in Kollam district. Data were collected using pre-designed pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS trial version 26. All Qualitative variables expressed as frequency and percentages and quantitative variables using mean and standard deviation. P value 5. Significant association was found between the time spent using electronic devices in bed before sleep and a higher PSQI score. The study observed that sleep latency was significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Overall, 60.4% (183) had a PSQI score of ≤5, indicating good sleep quality.

Conclusions Sleep latency and time spent on bed using electronic device before sleep was significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Overall, a notable 39.6% of students experienced poor sleep quality, underscoring the prevalence of this issue. These findings emphasize the importance of mindful electronic device use before bedtime and addressing sleep latency to improve student sleep health.