Insomnia in Medical and Non Medical (Engineering) Undergraduate Students in a Higher Institution in South-South Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Insomnia is common among university students and may be influenced by demanding academic schedules and limited social support. This study assessed the prevalence of insomnia and its relationship with perceived social support among medical and engineering undergraduates at a high-tuition university in South-South Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study included 350 students selected by stratified random sampling: 202 medical students and 148 engineering students. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Categorical variables were summarised using frequencies and percentages, while group differences were examined with chi-square tests. Correlations between age, body mass index, insomnia, and perceived social support were also assessed. Results: Overall, 66.0% of participants had some degree of insomnia. The prevalence was 68.3% among medical students and 62.8% among engineering students. Mild insomnia was the most common category, and the distribution of insomnia severity did not differ significantly by course of study. Most participants reported moderate perceived social support. Perceived social support differed significantly between the groups and was inversely correlated with insomnia in the total sample and within both groups. Conclusion: Insomnia was common among medical and engineering undergraduates. Although its severity did not differ significantly by discipline, stronger perceived social support was associated with lower insomnia severity. Institution-based sleep-health and student-support initiatives may be beneficial.