Evaluation of sleep hygiene and risky behaviors in Çukurova University students

Evaluation of Sleep Hygiene and Risky Behaviors in Çukurova University Students Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the sleep hygiene and risk behaviors of Çukurova University students and to reveal the relationship between them. Material and Method: Within the framework of the Health Education Program carried out by the Çukurova University Medikosocial Center in the District Vocational Schools, all students in the hall were invited to the study before the meeting started. The data collected using the Sociodemographic Information Form, the Sleep Hygiene Index Scale and the Risky Behavior Scale-University Form were analyzed using a statistical package program. Results: Of the 407 students with mean age of 21.04±2.34 (18-40) years, 59.2% were male and 42.1% were staying with their family. The sleep duration of the participants at night was 6.44±1.76 hours, the time spent in bed was 8.37±2.27 hours, and the mean Sleep Hygiene Index score was 34.66±6.89. The statement that got the highest score on the Sleep Hygiene Index was "I do things that increase wakefulness (eg computer games, internet or cleaning) during bedtime." The mean time spent in bed was longer in those staying in the dormitory (p=0.001) and those who shared their room with someone (p=0.018). Sleep hygiene was better in those who stayed with their family (p=0.000) and those who did not share their room with anyone (p=0.003). Poor-moderate statistically significant relationships were found between sleep hygiene and antisocial behaviors, alcohol use, smoking, suicidal tendency, dietary habits, dropout from school, and substance use. Conclusion: Participants' sleep times, sleep hygiene situations and risky behaviors are consistent with the literature. As a contribution to the literature, similar to sleep quality, a relationship was found between sleep hygiene and risky behaviors. In addition, the frequency of behaviors that increase wakefulness during bedtime, the length of time spent in bed, and the fact that this time was significantly higher in those who shared their room with someone was found to be remarkable. It is recommended to include the topic of sleep hygiene in the Health Education Program, to plan appropriate interventions to reduce students' risky behaviors and increase their sleep hygiene. Key words: Sleep hygiene, risky behavior, university students