The Relationship Between Academic Stress, Sleep Quality, and Psychological Wellbeing in Pasifika and New Zealand European Students at the University of Otago

Abstract

Background: Pasifika students in New Zealand are overrepresented in poor academic outcomes, and their academic challenges may potentially influence their wellbeing. We aim to: 1) compare the academic stress, sleep quality, and psychological wellbeing of Pasifika and New Zealand European (NZE) anatomy students at the University of Otago, and 2) determine if academic stress mediates the association between their psychological wellbeing and sleep quality. Methods: We launched a brief online survey to Pasifika and NZE students in our department. The survey included basic demographics, Perception of Academic Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, a short loneliness scale, a reduced morningness-eveningness scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results: Perceived academic stress were comparable between NZE and Pasifika students, but Pasifika students reported poorer sleep quality than NZE students (t(113) = 14.41, P