engleski

COVID-19 lockdown revealed the great workload, chronic sleep deprivation and anxiety of medical students in the pre-lockdown period

We aimed to investigate and compare differences and changes in sleep and lifestyle habits as well a mood of Croatian medical (MS) and non-medical students (NMS) during the COVID-19 lockdown. A cross-sectional study included 1163 participants (21.6% male) with median age 22 (IQR 20-23) whose demographics, teaching modes, lifestyle and sleep habits and mood before and during the COVID-19 lockdown were assessed with an online, self- reported questionnaire. Significant shifts toward later bedtimes and wake- times were reported in both MS and NMS (P<0.001), with the shift in bedtime being more pronounced among NMS (~65 min) compared to MS (~38 min), while the shift in wake-time was similar in both, MS (~111 min) and NMS (~112 min). All students reported more frequent difficulties falling asleep, night-time awakenings and insomnia (P<0.001) during lockdown. A higher proportion of MS reported being less tired during lockdown compared to pre-lockdown (P<0.001), which was not a case among NMS. Both students’ groups experienced unpleasant moods (fear and discouragement) and were less content during lockdown compared to pre-lockdown period (P<0.001). There was a decrease in anxiety among MS (P<0.001), while NMS were more anxious (P=0.057) during lockdown. Sleep disturbances and unpleasant moods were more common among students, emphasizing the need for promotion of healthy habits in the youth population during lockdown. However, co-appearance of prolonged and delayed sleep time along with decreased tiredness and anxiety among MS during lockdown implies their significant workload during pre-lockdown and that even subtle changes in day schedule might contribute to well-being of MS.

lifestyle ; sleep ; Corona Virus Disease-19 ; medical students

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