Relación entre la calidad del sueño y el rendimiento académico en estudiantes de tercer ciclo de medicina de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca, campus Azogues 2024 durante el periodo académico septiembre 2024 – febrero 2025

Abstract

Background: Poor sleep quality is a common problem among medical students and is associated with changes in memory, concentration, and learning. Worldwide, between 50% and 70% of university students have sleep disorders related to stress and academic workload. In Ecuador, studies report high prevalence among medical students, affecting their academic performance. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance in third-cycle medical students at Catholic University of Cuenca, Azogues Campus, during September 2024 to February 2025. Methodology: Observational, quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional study conducted among 129 students. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and academic performance was measured by grade point average. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software and correlation tests. Results: A total of 51.9 % of the participants were men and 48.1% women; 20 years of age was predominant. A total of 98.45% showed poor sleep quality according to the PSQI. In academic performance, 46.51% had fair performance and 31.78% satisfactory performance. A statistically significant relationship was found between poor sleep quality and lower academic performance. Conclusions: Poor sleep quality has a negative impact on the academic performance of medical students; therefore, it is recommended to implement institutional strategies to improve sleep habits and student well-being. Keywords: sleep quality, academic performance, students, medicine, sleep habits