Sleep Quality Assessment, Predictors and Its Association with Academic Performance among Secondary School Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Sleep is a crucial part of an individual’s life and health. It is vital for the optimal growth and development of children; thus, an important factor for learning and academic achievement. This study is aimed at determining the predictors of sleep quality among adolescents and the effect of poor sleep quality on their academic performance. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional analytical study. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit secondary school adolescents. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic data, sleep pattern was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while the academic performance of the participants was obtained from class teachers report. SPSS version 26 was used for analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out, and the level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The ages ranged from 10-17 years, with a mean age of 13.96 ± 2.15 years. The females were 256 (56.9%). About 24% of the population had a sleep duration less than 6 hours whilst daytime dysfunction was seen in 82.4% of the students. Subjective sleep quality showed 86.9% had good sleep, however, the objective sleep quality (global PSQI) only 36% had good sleep quality and 64% had poor sleep quality. Males were more likely than females to have poor sleep quality (p= < 0.001, OR; 10.8, CI 6.42-18.31). Environmental factors were significantly associated with poor quality of sleep. Students with poor sleep quality (≥ 5 PQSI) had poorer academic performance. (ꭓ2 =58.14, p= < 0.0001). Conclusion: The burden of poor sleep quality among adolescents is high. There is poor sleep predilection among the male sex. The environmental factors associated with poor sleep quality are modifiable. Adequate sleep is vital for good academic performance in children. There is need for a concerted efforts by parents, caregivers and teachers to ensure that children receive adequate sleep for better growth and development.