Association Between Chronotype and Depression and Anxiety Severity in Dormitory Students of a Medical University in Iran

Abstract Background: Chronotype refers to an individual's natural preference for the timing of sleep and wakefulness. Prior studies have shown potential links between chronotype and psychological well-being, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. Given the unique stressors of dormitory life, understanding how these three variables interact can inform preventive strategies for student mental health.This study aimed to determine the distribution of chronotypes among dormitory students and to examine the associations between chronotype and the severity of depression and anxiety. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 272 dormitory students at Iran University of Medical Sciences participated. Data were collected using the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Statistical analyses included Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests to evaluate the associations between chronotype, depression, anxiety, and demographic variables. Results: Most students exhibited a moderate chronotype (68.8%). Regarding psychological status, 56.3% had minimal/no depression and 12.5% had severe depression; 55.1% had minimal/no anxiety and 9.2% had severe anxiety. Chronotype was significantly associated with both depression severity (p = 0.0013) and anxiety severity (p = 0.049). Additionally, anxiety was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.001) and substance use (p = 0.001), and depression also associated with gender (p = 0.031), but no significant associations were found between chronotype and most demographic variables. Conclusion: There is a statistically significant relationship between chronotype and both depression and anxiety in dormitory students. These findings highlight the importance of considering chronobiological factors in mental health assessments and interventions for university populations.