Prevalence and Factors Influencing Insomnia among College Students in a Private University in Chennai

Objectives: The review of national and international literature, indicates that upto 75% of college students face intermittent sleep disturbances, and 15% report persistent declines in sleep quality. This study is aimed to estimate the prevalence of insomnia among college students and identify the factors that influence insomnia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in institutions affiliated with the Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, involving 1,222 students aged between 18 to 25 years, from December 2022 to April 2023. Participant information was acquired using a standardised proforma. Demographic details and anthropometric measurements were meticulously recorded during data collection. The data collection involved administering a questionnaire to gather pertinent information from study participants. Results: The study population included 580 (47.5%) females and 642 (52.5%) males, distributed across academic years, as follows: 476 (39%) in the second year, 324 (26.5%) in the third year, 240 (19.6%) in the fourth year, 172 (14.1%) in the first year, and 10 (0.8%) in the fifth year. Body Mass Index classifications were 12.9% underweight, 50.1% normal weight, 23.9% overweight, and 13.1% obese. The Global PSOI Score analysis revealed a significant negative correlation with age (ρ = -0.098, p=0.001). Noteworthy patterns were observed across demographic categories, with significant variations according to sex, academic year, BMI, and type of residence. Conclusion: This study provides crucial insights into the complex relationship between demographic factors and perceived stress as sleep disturbances among college students, emphasising the need for tailored interventions to mitigate stressors and enhance well-being in this population.