Sleep disorders and associated factors among medical students in the Middle East and North Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sleep disturbances like poor and insufficient sleep are common among medical students in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries; however, the extent of medically defined sleep disorders (SDs) remains unclear. This meta-analysis determines SD prevalence and identifies associated factors among medical students in the MENA. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and reference lists of included studies were searched (latest search: June 2022). Meta-analyses included 22 studies and were performed using random-effect models. Included studies used self-reported screening tools for assessing SDs and then estimated the proportion of participants at high risk of developing a SD. Central disorders of hypersomnolence were the most prevalent SD [prevalence pooled range: 30.9% (Jordan) to 62.5% (Saudi Arabia)], followed by insomnia disorders [prevalence pooled range: 30.4% (Jordan) to 59.1% (Morocco)], circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders [prevalence pooled range: 13.5% (Jordan) to 22.4% (Saudi Arabia)], sleep-related breathing disorders [prevalence pooled range: 12.2% (Jordan) to 22.5% (Pakistan)], sleep-related movement disorders [prevalence pooled range: 5.9% (Egypt) to 30.6% (Saudi Arabia)], and parasomnias [prevalence pooled range: 5.6% (Jordan) to 17.4% (Saudi Arabia)]. Female sex, studying in the latter academic years, having anxiety, excessive internet use, and poor academic performance were significantly associated with SDs. SDs are prevalent among MENA medical students. Implementing student-centered interventions targeting high risk groups in medical schools should be considered to improve students’ health and wellbeing.