Menoufia University Hospital Research Articles

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion using single PEEK cage without pedicle screw fixation for lumbar disc herniation; Initial experience in Menoufia University Hospital

BackgroundLumbar discectomy has successful initial clinical outcome; its long-term success rate decreases to 40–80% due to chronic low back pain and recurrent disc herniation.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical results of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with a single unilateral stand-alone PEEK (Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone) cage without pedicle screw fixation for single level lumbar disc herniation.MethodsA retrospective study of 40 patients (24 men and 16 women) with lumbar disc herniation, was conducted in the period from January 2016 through January 2021. The follow-up continued till December 2021. All patients suffered from single level lumbar disc herniation and were treated with Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with a single unilateral stand-alone PEEK cage without pedicle screw fixation.ResultsThe affected levels were L2–3 in 2 cases, L3–4 in 8 cases, L4–5 in 18 cases and L5–S1 in 12 cases. On 18th month follow-up, significant decrease in leg pain, LBP and ODI scores was detected (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis technique produced satisfying clinical enhancement in residual LBP, accepted radiological outcome such as maintaining the proper intervertebral disc space and prevention of recurrent disc herniation.

Meniscal and ligamentous knee injuries clinical evaluation versus arthroscopic examination in Menoufia University Hospitals

Meniscal and ligamentous knee injuries clinical evaluation versus arthroscopic examination in Menoufia University Hospitals

Intersphincteric resection of low rectal cancer: a retrospective study

Background The use of sphincter-saving resection without a permanent stoma in place of abdominoperineal resection (APR) has been one of the greatest advancements in the area of surgical therapy for low rectal cancer. Aim To assess the oncological and functional outcomes of inter-sphincteric resection of low rectal cancer in order to achieve radicality and a standard of living. Patients and methods At the hospitals affiliated with Menoufia University, a retrospective analysis was done. Forty patients with rectum cancer who were undergoing general surgery at Menoufia University Hospitals were the subject of this investigation. We comprised: older than 18 years old, sexes of both genders, low rectum and anal canal, with internal sphincter or rectal wall restriction on magnetic resonance imaging, differentiated tumour, tumour diameter of 1–5, and good continence. Results Mean operative time was 261.8 (±96.6 SD), the mean blood loss was 185.8 (±156.5 SD). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 11.2 (±4.1S D), the mean pain severity 1 h postoperatively was 5.5 (±1.0 SD), the mean 1 day postoperatively was 5.9 (±1.5 SD), the mean 5 day postoperatively was 3.3 (±1.2 SD), there were three with Anastomotic leakage, two with wound infection, two with hemorrhage, one with urinary tract infection, one with ileus. Regarding complications, mean score of micturition problems was 28.2 (±4.1 SD), the mean GIT symptoms was 32.2 (±3.1 SD), the mean weight loss was 5.5 (±1.0 SD), the mean CTX side effects was 13.9 (±1.5 SD), the mean body image was 70.3±6.2. Conclusion The intersphincteric resection approach improves the rate of sphincter preservation while maintaining oncological and functional results. Symptom-specific quality of life may be adversely affected by preoperative radiation.

Low vision in school-age children in Menoufia Governorate

Purpose To assess the causes and management of low vision in school-age children in Menoufia Governorate. Patients and methods This prospective study was made among 140 children with vision impairment aged from 6 to 18 years who came to the low-vision clinic of the Department of Ophthalmology of Menoufia University Hospitals with visual acuity less than 6/18 in the better eye best correction. A complete history was obtained. Complete examination of the anterior and posterior segments was done. Strabismus existence was determined. Refractive errors were measured. Before and after using low-vision aids, near and far visual acuity was measured. Results The mean age of patients was 11.94±3.61 years; 76 (54.29%) of the children were males and 64 (45.71%) of the children were females. According to the distribution of the diagnoses, hereditary fundus dystrophies were the most prevalent diagnosis among the children, accounting for 28.57% of diagnoses, followed by albinism (20%). The rehabilitation techniques that were mostly used were telescopic glasses (54.29%) for distant vision, electronic magnifiers (31.43%), and optical magnifiers (20.0%) for near vision. Low-vision devices were shown to significantly improve both near and distant visual acuity. Conclusions Visual rehabilitation for school-age children with visual impairment can result in a considerable improvement in both distant and near vision. As a result, pediatricians and ophthalmologists must recommend vision rehabilitation for children with vision impairment.

Assessment of the Pattern, Management and Outcomes of Acute Unstable Poisoning Patients in Emergency Department of Menoufia University Hospitals.

Assessment of the Pattern, Management and Outcomes of Acute Unstable Poisoning Patients in Emergency Department of Menoufia University Hospitals.

Efficacy of abdominal breathing on sleep and quality of life among patients with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux.

Abdominal breathing recently has demonstrated an important role in managing symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), improving quality of life, medication adherence, and sleep quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal breathing on sleep and quality of life in patients with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux. A Quasi-experimental design was used. A purposive sample of 100 patients was selected from the medical outpatient clinics of Menoufia University Hospital and the outpatient clinics of the National Liver Institute in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. A Structured interview questionnaire was used to collect data on patients' sociodemographic characteristics, belly breathing exercise performance and self-reported compliance, GERD symptoms severity and frequency, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and GERD Health-Related Quality of Life. The frequency of GERD symptoms decreased from 26.64 pre-intervention to 17.61 and 9.58, respectively, at two- and four-months post-intervention. Antacid consumption among patients taking it 7 days/week was reduced from 34% pre-intervention to 2% and 0% post-intervention by two and four months, respectively. Good sleepers were 24% pre-intervention then increased to 62% and 90% post-intervention by 2 and 4 months, respectively. Regarding GERD related quality of life, only 1% was satisfied pre-intervention, which increased to 32% and 72% post-intervention by 2 and 4 months, respectively. Abdominal breathing offers better therapeutic improvements in all patients' outcomes such as reduced severity and frequency of GERD symptoms, reduced antacid consumption, increased sleep quality, and increased satisfaction with life quality. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to incorporate abdominal breathing into treatment protocols for patients with non-erosive GERD.

Urinary biomarkers of early kidney injury in children with beta-thalassemia

Beta-thalassemia is considered as one of the most common genetic disorders in the world caused by the reduced or absent synthesis of b-globin chain. The aim of this work was to evaluate renal function in children with b-thalassemia using predictive biomarkers such as urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and N-acetyl-b-D-glycosaminidase (NAG). This prospective case–control study was carried out on 80 subjects aged between 3 and 17 years. The subjects were divided into two equal groups: thalassemia group which included 40 children with b-thalassemia major, and control group which included 40 age- and gender-matched healthy, non-anemic controls without any diseases that could potentially affect renal function, who underwent routine check-ups. All thalassemia patients received chelation therapy: 35 (87.5%) of them were treated with deferasirox and 5 (12.5%) patients received deferasirox + deferoxamine. The results of echocardiography, kidney function tests (serum creatinine, urea and estimated glomerular filtration rate as well as urinary albumin/creatinine ratio and urinary NGAL/urinary albumin–creatinine ratio were insignificantly different between the two groups. Abdominal ultrasound findings were significantly different between both groups. Total WBC counts, platelet counts, the results of liver function tests (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase), urinary NAG/creatinine ratios, urinary NGAL/creatinine ratios and serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in the thalassemia group, while hemoglobin, urinary NAG/urinary albumin–creatinine ratios were significantly lower in this group. Urinary markers NGAL and NAG could be used as predictive markers of renal disease in b-thalassemia major patients. The study was initiated after obtaining approval from the Ethical Committee of Menoufia University Hospital. Informed written consent was obtained from the parents of the children involved in the study.

Comparison of massage and prone position on heart rate and blood oxygen saturation level in preterm neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units

BackgroundMany years ago, it was proposed that prone positioning and infant massage would benefit preterm and babies with low birth weight.Aim of the workEvaluating the effectiveness of massage therapy and the neonatal prone position on the heart rate (HR) and blood oxygen saturation level (SPO2) of premature neonates in neonatal intensive care units.Subject and methodsOur study was conducted as a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial at the NICUs of Menoufia University Hospital. After enrollment, the (240) cases were divided into group A: (80) infants with prone position, group B: (80) infants with massage therapy (as intervention groups), group C: (80) infants as a control group (without intervention).ResultsRegarding group A, there was a significant difference between the first and last days of intervention regarding HR and SPO2 at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Regarding group B, there was a significant difference between the first and last days of intervention regarding HR and SPO2 at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Regarding group C, there was no significant difference between the First and last days of intervention regarding HR at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min.ConclusionProne position and infant’s massage equally reduce Heart Rate and increase preterm babies' blood oxygen saturation level neonates admitted in NICU.

Intention to vaccinate chronic disease children against COVID-19; a multicenter survey

BackgroundVaccination against severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has gained recognition as a crucial strategy to prevent and reduce the risk of infection, including emerging variants, due to its proven safety, immunogenicity, and effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the vaccination hesitancy (VH) among Egyptian parents towards SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, specifically focusing on parents with chronically ill children.MethodA multicentered cross-sectional survey was conducted at outpatient clinics of El-Raml Pediatric Hospital, Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) in Alexandria, Alexandria Main University Hospital for Maternity and Children (AMUH), Al-Galaa Teaching Hospital, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes (GOTHI) Cairo, and Pediatric Department, Menoufia University Hospital from May 1st till December 15th, 2022. Parents of children with chronic diseases were recruited using a simple random sampling technique to respond to the validated Arabic version of parental attitudes about childhood vaccination (PACV).ResultsIn this study, we enrolled 527 caregivers, 55.4% of them were aged 30–39 years old, 85.2% were females, and 46.9% had chronic diseases. Commonly mentioned information sources included television and radio (69.8%), and social media (35.3%). Among the parents studied, 59.6% refused vaccination. The predictors of the PACV score were governorate, Menoufia (β = 11.30, 95%CI [5.32, 17.27], p < 0.001), study setting, Menoufia University Hospital (β = -20.07, 95%CI [-25.40, -14.75] and El-Raml Hospital (β = -10.74, 95%CI [-14.50, -6.98], p < 0.001), income; not enough and loans repaid (β = 3.18, 95%CI [0.54, 5.82], p = 0.018) and not enough and loans not repaid (β = 3.57,95%CI [0.08, 7.07], p = 0.045).ConclusionsThe study reveals geographic and economic factors as predictors of PACV, and emphasizes the need for region-specific interventions and financial barriers to improve vaccine acceptance and child well-being.

The Relation between Systems Thinking and Safe Nursing Care among Nurses at Menoufia University Hospital

The Relation between Systems Thinking and Safe Nursing Care among Nurses at Menoufia University Hospital

The association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease in Egyptian patients

BackgroundNAFLD is a spectrum of disorders ranging from hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), NASH related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is sparse data on the prevalence CKD in Egyptian patients with NAFLD. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of CKD in the subjects with NAFLD and to assess the risk factors of CKD among them.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 430 patients from the Internal Medicine Department, Menoufia University Hospitals, including 215 patients with NAFLD, and 215 patients without NAFLD. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. The liver fibrosis was assessed by NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4). CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or abnormal albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ⩾ 30 mg/gm). The logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between NAFLD and risk of CKD.ResultsThe prevalence of CKD was higher in individuals with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD (38.1% vs 7.4%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that both NAFLD and CKD were risk factors of each other. The presence of hypertension, high levels of BMI and waist circumference were the other independent risk factors of NAFLD. While the presence of DM, and the high level of BMI were the other significant risk factors of CKD in the NAFLD group.ConclusionThe presence and severity of NAFLD are associated with an increased risk of CKD.

Colistin and carbapenem resistance among Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter clinical isolates in Menoufia University Hospitals

Colistin and carbapenem resistance among Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter clinical isolates in Menoufia University Hospitals

Effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on sleep architecture: comparative study between geriatrics and middle-aged adult patients

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disordered breathing in geriatrics but still frequently undiagnosed. Sleep architecture changes with ageing. Geriatrics spend more time in the N1, N2 than in N3, REM. Also, there are more frequent awakenings, arousals and sleep stage shifts. This leads to decrease in sleep efficiency. Geriatric patients with OSA have more affected sleep architecture than middle-aged adults. The aim This work aimed to assess and compare sleep architecture changes in geriatrics versus middle-aged adult patients with OSA syndrome. Patients and methods This comparative study conducted in chest department Menoufia University Hospitals included 50 patients divided to two equal groups; geriatric group age 65 years old or more and middle-aged adult group aged from 18 to 50 years old. All patients were complaining of symptoms suggestive of OSA. All patients underwent sleep questionnaires and Polysomnography using model; Philipsrespironic alice6. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding sex, smoking, co morbidities, BMI and symptoms. Regarding changes in sleep architecture, geriatric group showed a significantly higher Sleep latency and wakefulness after sleep onset in comparison to middle-aged adults (P=0.004 and 0.039, respectively) versus significantly lower Sleep efficiency, N3%, REM% (P=0.009,0.011 and 0.001, respectively). The median Total Apnea-Hypopnea index was 40.2 (/h sleep) in geriatric group and 35.4 in middle-aged adult group. Regarding severity of OSA; geriatric group showed mild OSA in five (20%) patients, moderate in five (20%) patient and severe in 15 (60%) patients. Middle-aged adults showed mild OSA in 10 (40%) patients, moderate in two (8%) patients, and severe in 13 (52%) patients. Conclusions Sleep architecture is affected in all OSA patients, but these changes are more obvious in geriatric patients. Geriatric patients have higher wakefulness after sleep onset and sleep latency. On the other hand, they have a lower N3%, REM% and sleep efficiency.

Association between the levels of serum vitamin D and trace elements and joint health in children with hemophilia

Hemophilia is defined as X-linked recessive bleeding disorder. Recurrent bleeding episodes lead to hemarthrosis.Objectives: to investigate the levels of serum 25(OH) D and trace elements in children with hemophilia A and B and to identify the possible association of these factors with Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS). This case-control study was conducted among children with hemophilia A and B. A total of 48 cases were recruited from the hematology units at the Menoufia University Hospital (n = 36) and Sohag University Hospital (n = 12) from December 2020 to February 2022. Forty healthy controls were matched to cases on age, sex and socioeconomic status. Serum zinc and magnesium levels in the hemophilia patients were significantly lower than in the controls, while serum alkaline phosphatase levels in the cases were significantly higher than in the controls. Informed consent was obtained from all the children's parents and ethical approval was acquired from the ethical committee (ID: 5/2020PEDI38), Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University. The levels of phosphorus and calcium were the same in two groups. Serum 25(OH) D levels were deficient in 85.4% of the cases and insufficient in 14.6%. None of the hemophilia patients had sufficient levels of serum 25(OH) D. There was no significant correlation between HJHS and the levels of serum trace elements but there was a significant positive correlation between HJHS and annualized bleeding rate and a significant negative correlation between HJHS and serum vitamin D. There was no significant difference regarding the demographic data except for weight and body mass index. The patients had significantly higher weight and body mass index compared to the control group. The levels of serum vitamin D and trace elements were decreased in hemophilia patients, and these low values were associated with the worst joint health.

&lt;i&gt;Helicobacter pylori&lt;/i&gt; infection in children with immune thrombocytopenia

To detect the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and immune thrombocytopenia in children and adolescents. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common bleeding disorder in childhood. H. pylori is a widespread organism that is present in about 50% of the global population. There is an obvious relation between helicobacter pylori infection and chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 95 patients with ITP who were recruited from the Hematology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Menoufia University Hospital in the period from June 2021 to June 2022. The age of the patients ranged between 3.5 and 7.5 years. Fifty-five of them were males and 40 were females. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University. Out of the studied ITP children, 62 (65.3%) were positive for H. pylori antigen in stool, and 33 (34.7%) were negative. There was a significant difference between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative patients regarding the grade of bleeding at presentation; 51 (82.3%) H. pylori-positive patients presented with grade 3 bleeding, 35 (56.5%) of them presented with skin and gum bleeding, 16 (25.8%) presented with skin bleeding and epistaxis. There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of recovery between H. pylorinegative patients (78.8%) and H. pylori-positive patients (22.6%). There was a significant rise in the platelet count in H. pylori-positive patients after the treatment of H. pylori. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in ITP pediatric patients was 65.3%. There was a significant rise in the platelet count in H. pylori-positive ITP children after the treatment of H. pylori.

Assessment of erythroferrone levels in children with chronic kidney disease on regular hemodialysis

Anemia is a common comorbidity in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with adverse outcomes. Erythroferrone (ERFE) is a hepcidin inhibitor whose synthesis is stimulated by erythropoietin, which increases iron absorption and mobilization. Aim of the study: to assess the levels of ERFE hormone in children with CKD on regular hemodialysis. This case–control study was carried out at Menoufia University Hospital and included 70 subjects: 38 healthy individuals (controls) and 32 children with CKD on regular dialysis (cases). The study was approved by the Faculty of Medicine Ethics Committee at Menoufia University. All children were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examination, blood tests such as complete blood count, reticulocyte count, serum iron, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity, liver and renal function tests, and an immunoassay to measure human ERFE. There was a statistically significant difference in the levels of ERFE between the cases and controls (p &lt; 0.001). There was a significant, strong correlation between the levels of hemoglobin and serum iron and the level of ERFE (r = –0.655, p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the administered dose of exogenous erythropoietin and the level of ERFE (p = 0.460). Serum ERFE levels in the children with CKD on regular hemodialysis were significantly higher than in the controls and were negatively correlated with hemoglobin and iron levels. There was no significant correlation between ERFE levels and both serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity levels.

Comparison between P-POSSUM and NELA risk score for patients undergoing emergency laparotomy in Egyptian patients

Background and aimsThe Portsmouth-Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (P-POSSUM) is one of the scores that is used most frequently for determining the likelihood of mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) presents a novel and validated score. Therefore, we aimed to compare the performance of the NELA and P-POSSUM mortality risk scores in predicting 30-day and 90-day mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy.MethodsBetween August 2020 and October 2022, this cohort study was undertaken at Menoufia University Hospital. We compared the P-POSSUM, preoperative NELA, and postoperative NELA scores in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. All variables needed to calculate the used scores were collected. The outcomes included the death rates at 30 and 90 days. By calculating the area under the curve (AUC) for every mortality instrument, the discrimination of the various methods was evaluated and compared.ResultsData from 670 patients were included. The observed risk of 30-day and 90-day mortality was 10.3% (69/670) and 13.13% (88/670), respectively. Concerning 30-day mortality, the AUC was 0.774 for the preoperative NELA score, 0.763 for the preoperative P-POSSUM score, and 0.780 for the postoperative NELA score. Regarding 90-day mortality, the AUCs for the preoperative NELA score, preoperative P-POSSUM score, and postoperative NELA score were 0.649 (0.581–0.717), 0.782 (0.737–0.828), and 0.663 (0.608–0.718), respectively. There was noticeable difference in the three models' capacity for discrimination, according to pairwise comparisons.ConclusionsThe probability of 30-day and 90-day death across the entire population was underestimated by the NELA and P-POSSUM scores. There was discernible difference in predictive performance between the two scores.

Prevalence of Parasitic Infections Among Patients with Autoimmune Disorders in Menoufia University Hospitals, Egypt

Prevalence of Parasitic Infections Among Patients with Autoimmune Disorders in Menoufia University Hospitals, Egypt

Spectrum of glomerulonephritis in adult Egyptians

Background Glomerulonephritis (GN) is still the main cause of renal morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Knowledge about the characteristics of GN and its regional trends is mandatory for proper management of chronic kidney disease to decrease the incidence of progression to end-stage kidney disease. The aim of this study is to identify the patterns and frequency of glomerular lesions (biopsy-proven). Patients and methods This is a retrospective study that included 140 adult patients who underwent renal biopsies at Menoufia University Hospitals between August 2017 and December 2019. Patient demographics, clinical, laboratory, and histopathological data were recorded. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The studied patients were 72 (51.4%) males and 68 (48.6%) females, and their mean age was 36.11 ± 14.57 years. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was the most frequent cause of primary GN (21.4%) followed by membranous GN (13.6%), minimal change disease (5.7%), and membranoproliferative GN (3.6%). Lupus nephritis (LN) was reported as the most common in secondary GN (18.6%), followed by vasculitis (12.1%), amyloidosis (5.7%), thrombotic microangiopathy (4.3%), and infection-related GN (3.6%). The most common presentation was peripheral edema (80.7%), followed by acute kidney injury (14.3%). FSGS (12.1%) was the most common subtype of primary GN associated with renal insufficiency followed by membranous GN (10%). Vasculitis was the most common subtype of secondary GN associated with renal insufficiency (12.1%) followed by LN (7.1%). Conclusion FSGS and LN are the most common primary and secondary GN, respectively. Nephrotic syndrome and acute kidney injury were the major indications for biopsy. LN carried the best prognosis, while vasculitis carried the worst prognosis.

Polysomnography in women: is there any difference between childbearing period and menopause?

Abstract Background Women may have a wide range of symptoms in the menopausal period, which includes vasomotor, mood changes, and disturbances of sleep. Disturbance of sleep leads to adverse health problems with poor quality of life. This study researched the comparison of polysomnographic parameters between menopausal and childbearing women. Patients and methods This study was carried out on 47 women (divided into two groups of premenopausal and postmenopausal), who attended for polysomnography in the Unit of Sleep in the Department of Chest Diseases in Menoufia University Hospital from the period of September 2021 to September 2022. After taking informed written consent, all participants were subjected to history taking, full examination, Epworth sleepiness scale, STOP-Bang questionnaire, and polysomnography. Results This study was carried out on 47 women who were divided into two groups: group I (29 participants) in menopause with an age of 58.9 ± 6.3 (mean±SD) and group II (18 participants) in the childbearing period with an age of 37.28 ± 8.064 (mean±SD). Polysomnographic parameters showed statistically significant differences between both groups regarding sleep latency (min) (P=0.026), sleep efficiency% (P=0.019), apnea–hypopnea index (P&lt;0.001), O2 desaturation index, and lowest O2 saturation during sleep (P&lt;0.001 and 0.01, respectively). Conclusion Women in menopausal women experience more sleep disturbance, insomnia, and sleep breathing disorders than they did during the childbearing years. Women in this age group, therefore, require a more thorough assessment of sleep difficulties and other relevant variables.