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Insomnia Among University Students in Bangladesh: A Five-Year Study of Key Stressors

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Mohammad Naveed Ishtiaq
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Md Sazid Islam
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
S.m. Nazmul Ahasan
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Sanjida Jahan Shifa
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Supervisors
Md. Mortuza Ahmmed
Associate Professor, Faculty, FST

Abstract

Background: A concerning trend seems to exist among Bangladeshi university students and that is of growing insomnia rates within this group. University students aged 18 to 25 years have reportedly had an increase in sleep disorders owing to factors including intense academic concern and mental health disorders. These conditions have further been aggravated by the pandemic which resulted in increased educational stress, economic stress or instability and even disruption of education. Design and Methods: The primary focus of this research is to analyze studies looking at the insomnia pattern and prevalence among university students in Bangladesh from the years 2018 to 2023. The study explores prominent factors associated with the health conditions, gender, external stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and family stress. Information was obtained from six urban and nationwide university settings over time to capture their different stressors. Results: Prevalence ranged from 25% in 2018 to a peak of 43% during the pandemic, while in 2020-2021, academic stress, financial instability, deterioration in mental health, and increased screen time all remained causes. A strong gender disparity in prevalence was found in females, with a steadily increasing ratio from 1.5:1 to 2:1 throughout the pandemic. In the post-pandemic recovery period, such as in the years 2022-2023, the rate of insomnia went down a little, but sleep was affected by academic pressure and financial instability. Conclusions: Overall, the findings emphasize all the three factors, namely academic, mental health, and pandemic-related, to be important in the establishment of insomnia among university students. However, such factors - more so the academic pressures and lack of mental health support - require amelioration with a view to reducing prevalence rates of insomnia. Overall, the findings stress the importance of comprehensive mental health interventions in educational settings.

Keywords

Insomnia University Students Academic Stress COVID-19 Pandemic

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication: Conference
  • Conference Name: 10th International Public Health Conference
  • Date of Conference: 06/12/2024 - 07/12/2024
  • Venue: TMSS Medical College, Rangpur Road, Thengamara,, Bogura, Bangladesh
  • Organizer: PHF BD
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