Influence of Sociodemographic, Personal, and Lifestyle Factors on Sleep Quality and Stress-Coping Strategies Among Trainees in a Tertiary Hospital

TL;DR

This study finds that long work hours and lifestyle factors significantly affect sleep quality and stress coping among hospital trainees.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into how sociodemographic and lifestyle factors influence sleep and coping strategies in physician trainees.

Findings

85% of trainees experienced poor sleep quality with an average of 5.7 hours of sleep.

Sleep duration was significantly linked to working hours and marital status in non-surgical residents.

Problem-focused coping was most common among fellows, while surgical residents used fewer emotion-focused strategies.

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare workers, especially physician trainees, are often required to work demanding shifts exceeding 24 hours, which expose them to various stressors and impact sleep quality and patterns.

Objectives: This study investigated the impact of sociodemographic, personal, and lifestyle factors on sleep quality among hospital trainees and explored their coping mechanisms for managing stress.

Methodology: This analytic, cross-sectional study approved by the hospital's IRB was conducted among hospital trainees (fellows, non-surgical, and surgical residents) in a tertiary hospital. Data were gathered through an online survey using three validated questionnaires: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Brief COPE, and FANTASTIC Lifestyle Questionnaire.

Results: Out of 107 respondents, 92 were included in the study, with the majority of respondents being single, female, and having working shifts over 24 hours. The study revealed an 85% (n=79) prevalence of poor sleep quality, with an average sleep duration of 5.7 hours. Sleep duration was significantly associated with working hours and marital status in the non-surgical resident group. Poor sleep quality in general negatively impacted lifestyle factors, especially in surgical residents. Problem-focused coping was the most commonly used strategy, especially among fellows, while surgical residents scored lower in emotion-focused strategies like humor and religion. Avoidant coping, though generally low, was more evident through self-distraction.

Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of sleep deprivation among physician trainees, linked to poor sleep quality and influenced by lifestyle factors. It recommends implementing consistent work shifts, reducing long consecutive hours, and introducing educational programs on sleep hygiene and institutional support to improve trainees' well-being and coping strategies.

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