Moderating Role of Gender in the Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study"

Background: Poor sleep quality and elevated perceived stress are increasingly prevalent among undergraduate students and are associated with adverse academic and health outcomes. Gender differences in stress responses and sleep patterns suggest that gender may play a moderating role in the stresssleep relationship; however, evidence in student populations remains limited. Objective: To investigate the association between perceived stress and sleep quality among undergraduate students and to examine the moderating effect of gender on this relationship. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students. Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were collected using standardized self-administered questionnaires from eligible participants after obtaining informed consent. Results: Perceived stress showed a significant positive association with poor sleep quality, with higher stress levels corresponding to higher PSQI scores. Female students reported significantly poorer sleep quality compared to male students. Regression analysis revealed that gender significantly moderated the relationship between perceived stress and sleep quality, with a stronger association observed among females.