Chronotype preferences of college students from varied altitude backgrounds in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to compare chronotype preferences of college students from high- and low-altitude backgrounds living in a tropical setting of Ethiopia. Chronotype (morningness–eveningness) is a preference for a given time of day for physical or mental activities. The present cross-sectional study employed Horne and Osteberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaires to evaluate chronotype preferences. The chronotype preference of 264 male college students from varied altitude backgrounds indicated significant differences (p < 0.001). Our findings confirm our hypothesis, of the prevalence of M-types dominant chronotype among college students at low than high altitude. However, we did not confirm our second hypothesis, since students from high-altitude backgrounds were generally I-type dominant chronotype. Similarly, students’ academic performances from low- compared to high-altitudes backgrounds also indicated significant differences (p < 0.003). Better academic performances were seen in students with I-type chronotype orientations from high altitudes.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronotype
• altitude
• academic performances
• physical activities

Acknowldgements

During this study, the corresponding author was Exercise Physiology PhD candidate at Mekelle University. We would like to acknowledge the Mekelle University and Arba Minch College of Teachers Education for their assistance in the completion of the study.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Mekelle University [PhD grant 2010 E.C].