A CROSS-SECTIONAL KAP ANALYSIS OF SLEEP DISORDERS AMONG PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are a global public health problem among university students, about 50% to 62% of Pakistani students present with symptoms of clinical insomnia. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 601 undergraduate students of three public and three private universities of Lahore, Punjab. Data were obtained by means of a standardized questionnaire, which included the Self-Rating Scale of Sleep (SRSS) and dedicated KAP dimensions. The results revealed mean scores of 10.82 ± 3.05 for knowledge, 34.24 ± 5.51 for attitude, and 27.39 ± 7.35 for practice. Significant differences in sleep quality were observed based on gender (p < 0.001) and personality traits (p < 0.001). The main disruptor was the excessive use of technological devices (27.8%) and academic pressure (24.5%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that while knowledge (OR = 1.141, p = 0.003) and attitude (OR = 1.123, p < 0.001) independently correlate with practice, younger students (18–22 years) and second-year students have significantly reduced odds of maintaining good sleep hygiene. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) demonstrated that attitude completely mediates the relationship between knowledge and practice; the direct impact of knowledge on practice was not statistically significant (p = 0.105). The survey concluded that students have a positive attitude yet there is a large knowledge gap. Because information only improves behavior when it successfully modifies a student’s perspective, educational institutions must shift from passive information transmission to customized interventions. Integrating sleep hygiene, stress reduction, and digital wellness into curricula is essential to mitigate the long-term cognitive and physiological risks associated with chronic sleep deprivation.