Prevalence and Associations of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in an Asian Multiethnic Adult Population

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate the prevalence and associations of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in a multi-ethnic Asian adult population in Singapore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban town using an interviewer-administered questionnaire in 2008. 1003 subjects over 40 years of age were selected after randomization. EDS was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. A score of 10-12 indicated mild-moderate EDS; a score greater than 12 indicated severe EDS. Information on lifestyle, socio-economic conditions and medical comorbidities were collected. Results: The prevalence of EDS was 21.43%. Increased risk of EDS was associated with larger housing types, Prevalence Ratio (PR) 2.21 (95% CI 1.73-2.82); clinical depression, PR 1.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-3.59); monthly household income higher than US$4846 (S$6000), PR 1.79 (95% CI 1.27-2.05); desk-bound vocations, PR 1.77 (95% CI 1.39-2.25); younger age (40-49 years old), PR 1.67 (95% CI 1.23-2.26); alcohol consumption, PR 1.62 (95% CI 1.23-2.14); employment, PR 1.61 (95% CI 1.27-2.05); working night shift, PR 1.60 (95% CI 1.09-2.36); tertiary education, PR 1.50 (95% CI 1.15-1.93); male gender, PR 1.49 (95% CI 1.13-1.95); and presence of 2 or more symptoms of depression PR 1.39 (95% CI 1.00-1.93). Conclusions: The prevalence of EDS is comparable to the levels in the United States. EDS was associated with socioeconomic, lifestyle factors, depression, and depressive symptoms. Ethnicity, body-mass-index, and waist circumference were not found to be significant.