Insomnia thresholds and associated factors among Omani university students

Abstract

Background: Insomnia is the most predominant sleep disorder affecting the general population and is a significant health concern. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and predictors of insomnia among Omani university students. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Six hundred and thirty-two university students were recruited through convenience sampling and completed four self-reported surveys: (1) Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale; (2) Smartphone Addiction scale; (3) Insomnia Severity Index, and (4) demographics sheets, accessed through the Google Forms link posted on Twitter. Results: Almost two thirds of the participants suffered from insomnia, of whom a third part suffered from sub-threshold insomnia, another third had moderate insomnia, and a tenth part suffered from severe insomnia. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, preparing for exams, smartphone addiction, and stress were significant associated factors of insomnia. Conclusion: Although the study identified high level of insomnia and significant associations between insomnia and exam preparation, smartphone addiction, and stress; insomnia is a far more complex phenomenon. We therefore recommend further studies to follow up the development of this population and to identify actions to combat this high level of insomnia. Nurses, public health workers, health coaches, and other clinically active professionals could collaborate to build programs to promote healthy use of smartphones in young individuals in order to combat insomnia.

Keywords

• Insomnia
• Depression
• Stress
• Smartphone addiction
• University students
• Prevalence