Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe sleep quality and sleep-aid medication use among female university students in Saudi Arabia and to identify factors associated with their medication safety awareness.
METHODS: A cross-sectional, anonymous bilingual survey was distributed to female students at Saudi universities. The survey assessed perceived health, sleep quality, sleep patterns, sleep aid medication use, medication safety awareness, and sociodemographic characteristics. Perceived health and sleep quality were measured on a 5-point scale. Medication safety awareness was assessed using 10 Likert-scale items. In this study, medication misuse was defined as using sleep aid medications without a healthcare provider's approval. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression were conducted.
RESULTS: A total of 113 students completed the survey. Mean age was 21.6 ± 2.2 years. Mean perceived health and sleep quality scores were 3.5 ± 0.9 and 2.9 ± 1.2, respectively. Only 30% reported sleeping primarily at night, and 87.6% reported sleep difficulties. Overall, 65 students had at least one diagnosed condition, and 8 had a diagnosed sleep disorder. Among all participants, 97 reported using sleep-aid medications. Among users, 22% used antihistamines alone, 74% used acetaminophen/antihistamine combinations, and 80% used sleep-aid medications without healthcare provider approval, classified as medication misuse. Mean medication safety awareness was 3.8 ± 0.7, suggesting moderate but incomplete awareness. Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between medication safety awareness and perceived health, average sleep duration, and exercise. In multivariable logistic regression, only average sleep duration remained significantly associated with medication safety awareness.
CONCLUSIONS: Use of sleep aid medications without healthcare provider approval was common among female university students. Campus-based education on sleep hygiene and the safe use of over-the-counter medications is needed.