Incident and persistent poor sleep quality and associated factors among a rural ageing population in South Africa: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Poor sleep quality (PSQ) is common among ageing adults, while the correlates of poor sleep quality among older adult populations are less well understood. The study utilised data from the South African 4-year longitudinal study on Health and Ageing in Africa. We analysed a longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI) data set (N = 3 769, females = 56.1%, aged 40 years and older) to assess factors associated with incident and persistent PSQ among them. Results indicate that the proportion of incident PSQ was 11.2% and persistent PSQ 24.9% overall. For people without PSQ at baseline, those aged 70-79 years, born in South Africa, and having 12 or more years of education were associated with incident PSQ. Compared to the 40-49-year-old age cohort, the 70-79-year-old age cohort had the highest likelihood of persistent PSQ. In addition, people with PTSD symptoms at baseline had higher odds of persistent PSQ. Sociodemographic and mental health factors were associated with incident and/or persistent PSQ. Improving mental well-being may help to reduce PSQ.