Insomnia in Rural Mahila Female University in Haryana: A Cross-Sectional Study on Family Dynamics and Lifestyle Habits as Influencing Factors among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Background
Insomnia significantly impacts the well-being of young adults. Undergraduate students, particularly females, are a high-risk demographic due to academic pressure, lifestyle changes, and social transitions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and role of family dynamics and lifestyle habits in insomnia among female undergraduate students in a rural area of Haryana.
Methods
A college-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2025 involving 340 randomly selected female students (170 medical, 170 non-medical). Data were collected via in-person interviews using a socio-demographic questionnaire and the validated Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests (significance at p < 0.05).
Results
The prevalence of clinically significant insomnia was 6.5% and 4.7% for non-medical and medical students, respectively. Significant correlations were found between insomnia and living in joint families (p=0.018) or in households with more than 8 members (p=0.036). Participants who communicated most frequently with their fathers had a higher rate of insomnia (p=0.032). Significant lifestyle correlates included smoking (p=0.026), spending over two hours on screens before sleep (p=0.029), and recent illness (p=0.012).
Conclusions
Insomnia in this population is driven by domestic structures, lifestyle choices, and digital habits. While academic discipline was not a significant factor, strong links to smoking and pre-sleep screen time highlight an urgent need for targeted university-led behavioral interventions.