The Role of Social Determinants of Health in Chronotypes Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Sleep health in college students is a public health concern. College students are commonly described as having poor sleep quality, especially those who prefer evening-type (E-type) sleep. Identifying the social determinants of chronotypes may facilitate a better understanding of why such students prefer E-type sleep. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between social determinants and the sleep preferences of college students living in dormitories (n= 380). Method: This is descriptive-relational research. The data collection tools included Personal information form, Social Determinants of Health Scale for University Students, and Morningness-Eveningness Stability Scale. Results: This study revealing a statistically significant relationship between social determinants of health and sleep preferences (p< .05). The study found that college students seemed to prefer morning sleep as their social health needs decreased (r: -0.628) and evening sleep (r: 0.673) as their social health needs increased, concluding that the social health needs of E-type college students should be met in order to improve their sleep quality. Conclusion: Health professionals, public health nurses, and social workers may identify social determinants of health and employ intervention strategies for college students with social health needs.