Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between screen exposure, headaches, and sleep disturbances among medical undergraduates.
Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate Medical College students at Multan from January 2024 to July 2024. Google Forms was used to distribute a semi-structured questionnaire. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used.
Results: A total 454 students were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 19.20±3.38 years, with 159 (35.02%) males and 295 (64.97%) females. The average daily screen time among the students was >6 hours. Out of 315 students who experienced headaches, 234 (74.28%) associated an increase in the frequency of headaches with an increase in screen time (p=0.00). Additionally, there was a highly significant correlation (p=0.00) between screen time and sleep disturbance.
Conclusion: Screen time was strongly associated with headaches and sleep disturbances among undergraduate students.

Key words: Disturbances, headache, screen time, sleep, students.