1137 Sleep Quality of Undergraduate Medical Students During and Post Lockdown: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction The global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced healthcare and medical education. Faced with in-person learning restrictions, institutions globally adopted online platforms, disrupting the daily routines and sleep patterns of medical students. This study aims on the assessment of sleep quality among undergraduate medical students affiliated with the National Medical Council in India, exploring effects of COVID-19 lockdown measures on their sleep patterns both in the short and long term. Methods Conducting a cross-sectional survey, participants included undergraduate medical students from NMC-registered colleges, encompassing all genders. Ethical approval and written consent were obtained, employing respondent-driven sampling to recruit 165 participants over six months (October 2021 to March 2022). The study utilized the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated questionnaire with 19 self-rated questions and five partner-rated items, if available. Statistical analysis involved SPSSv2021 for descriptive analysis, PSQI score calculations, and tests examining associations between PSQI components and sociodemographic variables. Results Among the 171 participants, 9.4% reported poor sleep quality during the lockdown, decreasing to 4.7% post-lockdown—a substantial 50% improvement. Noteworthy changes were observed in specific PSQI components, such as sleep quality and habitual sleep efficiency, with sleep duration decreasing by 23.4% during lockdown and increasing by 45.6% post-lockdown. Weak correlations between PSQI scores during and post-lockdown suggested persistent sleep challenges for those initially affected. Sociodemographic factors showed no significant associations with PSQI score changes. Conclusion This study accentuates the pandemic's impact on the sleep quality of undergraduate medical students, revealing a significant 50% enhancement post-lockdown. It underscores the importance of addressing reduced sleep quality among this demographic and emphasizes the need for strategies promoting good sleep hygiene and offline study habits. Future research should delve into the academic consequences of poor sleep during the pandemic and assess students' readiness to seek advice or treatment for sleep-related issues. In summary, the study highlights the critical significance of sleep quality among undergraduate medical students and underscores the imperative for interventions supporting their well-being amid and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Support (if any)