Excessive daytime sleepiness and academic performance among dental students in north-east of peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is high among college and university students. EDS has been associated with poor concentration and forgetfulness that affect poor academic performance. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EDS on academic performance among undergraduate dental students at the School of Dental Sciences in Universiti Sains Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 198 students of year two through year five were selected. Subjects were asked to complete a guided questionnaire which consists of socio-demographic profiles and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Data were analyzed and presented as percentages of occurrence. Chi-square test and multiple regression analysis were performed to assess the association between ESS score and end of year examination results as a measure of students’ academic performance as well as other potential confounders—gender, body mass index (BMI) and ethnicity. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of EDS was 45% with students having mild, moderate and severe sleepiness were 38.4%, 5.5% and 1.5%, respectively. EDS was more common in males (51.9%) than females (43.2%). There was no significant association between ESS score and end of year results for each year (p>0.05). Similarly, BMI, gender and ethnicity also were not significantly associated with sleepiness. Conclusion: The high prevalence of EDS among dental students is a call for concern as it may affect their clinical practice and their mental and health wellbeing.