Assessment of Sleep Quality and Depression among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objective Medical students are especially vulnerable to sleep disturbances and depression due to intense academic pressures and demanding schedules. Yet, the interplay between these issues remains underexplored in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This study aims to determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality and depression among medical students in the MENA region. It also aims to analyze the relationship between these factors, offering insights that could help improve their overall well-being. Methods In this study, 773 medical students from Palestine, Algeria, Egypt, Syria, Yemen, and Jordan participated. The questionnaire, also filled out by each student, consisted of demographic and lifestyle data, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). BDI assesses the level of depression, while PSQI assesses sleep quality. Results A total of 773 medical students participated in the study. There was a significant correlation between sleep quality and depression level (Spearman’s rho = 0.920, p < 0.001). The average PSQI was 6 and the average BDI score was 15. The results identified that 51.5% of all respondents reported poor sleep quality and around 71.3% had depressive symptoms. Conclusion This study reveals a robust association between poor sleep quality and depression among medical students in the MENA region, highlighting significant repercussions for both academic performance and overall well-being. In response, academic institutions must prioritize the implementation of targeted mental health initiatives, integrate comprehensive sleep hygiene education into their medical curricula, and develop culturally sensitive support systems. Furthermore, collaboration between universities and regional policymakers is crucial to establish sustainable strategies that bolster not only student health but also the resilience of the broader healthcare system.