Sleeping Pattern, Stress Level and Academic Behavior of Students Enrolled in Health Related Programs

Abstract

The researchers believe that by identifying the different factors that may influence one’s
academic behavior would enable the learners to be successful in their educational journey. This
paper sought to compare the relationship between sleeping pattern, stress level and academic
behavior of students enrolled in health-related courses.
This descriptive-correlational study was anchored on Johnson’s Behavioral Model and Selye’s
Stress Theory. The study investigated the relationship between sleeping pattern, stress level,
and academic behavior among 213 students enrolled in a Health-Related Course. Participants
were gathered by the use of convenience sampling. Pearson-product moment correlation
coefficient formula was used for data analysis.
Results revealed that during week days and weekends, the students have an adequate sleeping
pattern but during their on-the-job-training days their sleeping pattern was inadequate. The
stress level that they experienced was moderate, while their academic behavior in terms of
academic self-management was satisfactory, academic motivation was moderate, academic
activity was high, and overall attitude toward study was positive. There was no significant
relationship between stress level and academic behavior. Sleeping pattern during weekdays
has a negative relationship with academic behavior in terms of academic activity (p < .05),
self- management (p < .01) and over-all attitude towards studies (p < .05).
The result suggested that there was a significant difference in the academic behavior of students
when their age, gender, monthly allowance, and academic program were considered. Students
enrolled in Bachelor of Laboratory Science demonstrated a more positive attitude toward
studies, engaged more in academic activity and demonstrated better self- management, while
those enrolled in Dentistry exhibited better academic motivation as compared to those enrolled
in other health related programs. Researchers suggest that a follow-up study involving other
institutions should be conducted for the benefit of result comparison.