Attention Span Awareness, Self-reported Attention Duration, and Perceived Determinants among Clinical Medical Students at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Akabuike, J. C., Eyisi, I. G., Njelita, I. A., Eyisi, C. C., Nwachukwu, C. C.
Journal: Medicine and Public Health Research Journal (MPHRJ), ISSN 1694-4593
Citation: MPHRJ 7(1): 1-5, 2026-03-09.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18841448
PDF: Download full-text PDF
Type: Original Research
Abstract
Background: Sustained attention is essential for learning in medical school. Digital distractions, sleep disruption, and stress may compromise students’ ability to maintain focus. Objectives: To assess (i) knowledge of attention span, (ii) self-reported average attention span, and (iii) perceived factors associated with reduced attention span among clinical medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among clinical medical students (400–600 level) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. A structured self-administered online questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, awareness/understanding of attention span, self-reported attention span (categorized), perceived factors affecting attention (multiple responses), and attention-maintenance strategies (Likert items). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests where appropriate. Results: A total of 145 students participated (mean age 20.67 ± 2.97 years; 51.0% female). Overall, 84.1% reported having heard of “attention span.” Only 17.2% were classified as having “good knowledge” based on the study’s scoring approach. Self-reported attention span was >30 minutes in 35.2%, 20–30 minutes in 28.3%, 10–20 minutes in 11.7%, and <10 minutes in 4.8%; 20.0% had no idea. Frequently reported perceived factors affecting attention were social media (81.4%), anxiety/stress (80.7%), hunger (79.3%), sleep deprivation (77.9%), boring lectures (74.5%), and mental health issues (68.3%). Most participants (94.5%) demonstrated “good” attention-maintenance strategies/awareness of focus shift. Knowledge classification was significantly associated with age, level of study, and residence (p<0.05). Conclusion: Most clinical medical students reported awareness of attention span and endorsed multiple perceived barriers, particularly social media use, stress, sleep deprivation, and hunger. Interventions supporting sleep hygiene, stress management, nutrition, and digital self-regulation may be beneficial.
Keywords
Attention Span, Medical Students, Social Media, Sleep Deprivation
Full Text
Background: Sustained attention is essential for learning in medical school. Digital distractions, sleep disruption, and stress may compromise students’ ability to maintain focus.
Objectives: To assess (i) knowledge of attention span, (ii) self-reported average attention span, and (iii) perceived factors associated with reduced attention span among clinical medical students.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among clinical medical students (400–600 level) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. A structured self-administered online questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, awareness/understanding of attention span, self-reported attention span (categorized), perceived factors affecting attention (multiple responses), and attention-maintenance strategies (Likert items). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests where appropriate.
Results: A total of 145 students participated (mean age 20.67 ± 2.97 years; 51.0% female). Overall, 84.1% reported having heard of “attention span.” Only 17.2% were classified as having “good knowledge” based on the study’s scoring approach. Self-reported attention span was >30 minutes in 35.2%, 20–30 minutes in 28.3%, 10–20 minutes in 11.7%, and <10 minutes in 4.8%; 20.0% had no idea. Frequently reported perceived factors affecting attention were social media (81.4%), anxiety/stress (80.7%), hunger (79.3%), sleep deprivation (77.9%), boring lectures (74.5%), and mental health issues (68.3%). Most participants (94.5%) demonstrated “good” attention-maintenance strategies/awareness of focus shift. Knowledge classification was significantly associated with age, level of study, and residence (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Most clinical medical students reported awareness of attention span and endorsed multiple perceived barriers, particularly social media use, stress, sleep deprivation, and hunger. Interventions supporting sleep hygiene, stress management, nutrition, and digital self-regulation may be beneficial.