A Comprehensive Examination of Self-Reported Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and Sleep Disturbances in a Global Post-Secondary Student Cohort: UNILIFE-M

Abstract

Young adults present an elevated risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms and sleep disturbances. However, current evidence in the literature is limited to clinical samples. The goal of this thesis was to understand OCD symptoms and sleep disturbances through network analysis, longitudinal analysis, and latent class analysis. Data was used from the University Students' Lifestyle and Mental Health Study (UNILIFE-M)- a global cohort of first-year post-secondary students. Results from network analyses noted certain central symptoms- ordering, checking, unpleasant thoughts, and nightmares. The longitudinal analysis suggested that baseline sleep disturbances may be a risk factor for developing OCD symptoms at 1-year follow-up. Latent class analysis identified five OCD classes, 1) "Checking and Ordering", 2) "Checking, Hoarding and Obsessive Thoughts" in baseline data and only 2) "Obsessive Thoughts" in follow-up data, 3) "Mild", 4) "Moderate", 5) "Severe." Findings from this thesis may serve as a guide for early intervention in students.