Abstract
Background: This study assessed the relationship between headphone use during study sessions and concentration levels among medical students.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 359 medical students at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Demographic information, headphone usage habits, concentration levels during studying, perceived advantages and disadvantages of headphone use, and anxiety status were assessed.
Results: Among the surveyed participants, 40% (n=143) reported using headphones during study sessions. The prevalence of headphone use was higher among females (59.2%), sixth-degree students (33.1%), and individuals from higher-income families (43.7%). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between demographic factors and headphone use. Headphone use was significantly associated with higher concentration levels during studying, particularly among those who used headphones for longer durations and reported differences in learning outcomes. Advantages of using headphones included blocking external distractions (53.5%), improving focus (47.9%), and enhanced enjoyment of studying (39.6%), while disadvantages included reduced awareness (52.8%). Higher volume levels were associated with higher concentration levels, with participants using high volume more likely to exhibit very high concentration levels (50%). Logistic regression analysis also demonstrated a significant association between family income level and concentration while studying with headphones, with students from higher-income families exhibiting higher concentration levels.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that headphone use during study sessions is associated with increased concentration levels among medical students. Understanding the factors influencing headphone usage patterns and their effects on academic performance is essential for optimizing study environments and promoting effective learning strategies in medical education.