The Effects of Exam Periods on Sleep and Eating Behaviors in Medical Students during Clinical Rotations

Authors : Mustafa Karaağaç, Hüda Eroğlu, Hale Rodriguez Camacho, Beyza Aydin, Zeynep Irem Özcan, Ayşe Büşra Madenci, Hasan Bakay, Şakir Gica

Pages : 15-27

View : 118 | Download : 74

Publication Date : 2023-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Introduction: This study examines the relationship between academic achievement, eating attitudes, sleep, and stress levels among medical school students. Method: This study included 169 students from the 4th and 5th grades of Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Medical Faculty. During the internship exam week, participants completed a sociodemographic data form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Academic achievement was evaluated based on exam grades, grade repetition numbers, and the number of internships left for makeup exams. Results: Out of the 169 participants, 67.3% were female, and 75.8% were 5th-grade students. 78.8% had no medical illness, 81.1% had no psychiatric illness, and 82.4% did not report using psychiatric medication. The participants were divided into two groups based on their average academic achievement scores: a group demonstrating high academic achievement and a group demonstrating low academic achievement. There was no statistically significant difference between the high and low academic achiever groups regarding PSQI total score, TFEQ, and DASS-21 scores. However, significant correlations were found between TFEQ and DASS-21 scale scores and PSQI and DASS-21 scales (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between PSQI and TFEQ total and subscale scores. Conclusion: In conclusion, although our study shows academic achievement is not associated with sleep, eating behavior, and stress levels, a significant relationship between stress levels, sleep problems and abnormal eating behaviors is observed in medical school students. Therefore, supporting medical school students in stress management, sleep patterns, and healthy eating practices is crucial.
Keywords : Uyku kalitesi, yeme davranışı, akademik başarı, stres, tıp fakültesi öğrencileri