Sleep Quality and Psychostimulant Use Among Medical Interns at a School of Human Medicine

Ramos J.G.M.; Tarrillo L.M.F.; Cruz K.L.C.; Muñoz M.L.A.; Ramirez S.M.M.; López E.L.; Ángeles W.E.M. · Revista Cubana de Investigaciones Biomedicas (2024)

Resumen

Introduction: Poor sleep quality is a global public health issue. Psychostimulants affect the nervous system and alter behavior, influencing regulatory mechanisms at the brain level, as well as mood, thought processes, and motivation. Objectives: To assess sleep quality and the consumption of psychostimulant substances among medical interns at the School of Human Medicine, Universidad Señor de Sipán. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, while the use of psychostimulant substances was measured through a questionnaire about consumption. The study population included 115 medical interns from the School of Human Medicine, Universidad Señor de Sipán. The sample was selected through simple random probability sampling, comprising 89 participants. Results: A total of 29.2% of participants reported that their sleep quality required medical attention, 57.3% needed both medical attention and treatment for sleep quality issues, and 5.6% experienced severe problems related to sleep quality. Caffeine was the most frequently consumed psychostimulant among the medical interns. Conclusions: Poor sleep quality was found to be associated with the use of psychostimulants among medical interns, with caffeine being the most commonly used substance.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga; Universidad de San Martín de Porres; Universidad Señor de Sipán