Abstract

Background:
Smartphone use and other screen-emitting devices have surged, particularly among college students. Such devices are often used for both academic and recreational purposes, potentially affecting sleep quality.

Aim:
To explore the correlation between smartphone screen time (ST) and sleep quality among MBBS students.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Government Medical College, Kottayam. A sample size of 370 MBBS students was selected using simple random sampling. Data on sleep quality were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while ST was measured using the Stay-Free ST app. Statistical analysis was conducted using Jamovi software, and associations were determined using the chi-square test and ANOVA.

Results:
The mean ST was higher among male students (5.55 ± 3.98 hours) than among female students (4.84 ± 1.89 hours). Sleep quality was similarly affected. A significant difference in ST was observed across academic phases, with third-year students reporting the highest mean ST (6.23 ± 2.04 hours). Poor sleep quality was reported by 49.8% of students, with a strong correlation observed between increased ST and lower sleep efficiency. The mean PSQI score of males was 6.00 ± 2.53, for females 5.74 ± 2.46, and across phases was between 5 and 6.

Conclusion:
The study concludes that there is a significant association between excessive smartphone use and poor sleep quality among MBBS students. Interventions aimed at reducing ST, particularly before bedtime, can help improve sleep quality and overall well-being among students.

Key words: Smartphone screen time, Sleep quality, PSQI tool, Medical students