Presence Of Sleep Problems Research Articles

Association between Sleep Problems and Psychopathologies among Preschoolers: A Brazilian Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between sleep problems and psychopathologies in Brazilian preschool children. Materials and Methods The present is a cross-sectional study with162 children: 81 with sleep problems referred for treatment (mean age: 3.67 years), matched by gender/age with 81 participants without sleep problems. Sleep problems were identified through a clinical interview with a specialist. Psychopathologies were evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1.5-5 (CBCL/1.5-5). Results Having sleep problems was a predictor of all forms of psychopathologies on the CBCL scales, except for the withdrawn scale. Aggressive behavior, depression/anxiety, affective problems, and oppositional defiant disorder were associated with presence of sleep problems. Conclusion Given the probable bidirectionality of the association between sleep problems and psychopathologies in children, it is suggested that regular assessments of both phenomena should be performed in children referred for treatment of sleep problems and mental health problems in general.

Prevalence of Sleep Disorders Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at Primary Healthcare Centers in the South Region of Abha City.

Background Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). This issue is of considerable importance in the field of public health, as it has a global impact on a substantial number of individuals. The primary emphasis in the management of type 2 diabetes is centered around achieving glycemic control, implementing lifestyle adjustments, and employing pharmaceutical therapies as preventive measures or for the purpose of managing problems that may arise as a result of the disease. Aim This research aimed to investigate the prevalence of sleep-belated issues among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Methodology A total of 230 participants with type 2 diabetes patients of primary healthcare in Abha city whose age is ≥18 years were included in the study. The data collection process involved the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire that assessed various aspects of sleep disturbances, including difficulties in falling asleep, waking up during the night, excessive daytime sleepiness, and restless legs or leg muscle cramps. The questionnaire also collected demographic information and data on potential risk factors such as alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, and smoking/tobacco product use. Data analysis was conducted using chi-square tests and significance levels were set at p < 0.05. Results The findings revealed a prevalence of sleep disturbances among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Difficulties in falling asleep and waking up during the night were reported by a substantial proportion of participants, and a notable number experienced excessive daytime sleepiness. Restless legs or leg muscle cramps that interrupted sleep were experienced occasionally by 16.5% and frequently by 8.7% of the participants. The study also found a significant association between the presence of sleep problems and lower sleep quality ratings. However, no significant associations were found between sleep disturbances and the duration of type 2 diabetes or the examined risk factors. Conclusion The findings from this study emphasize the detrimental effects of sleep disturbances on sleep quality and suggest that improving sleep quality can positively influence the overall health and well-being of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

SLEEP IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER: Kanwaljit Singh, Andrew W. Zimmerman Seminars in Pediatric Neurology Volume 22, Issue 2, June 2015, Pages 113-125 Sleep problems are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sleep problems in these disorders may not only worsen daytime behaviors and core symptoms of ASD and ADHD but also contribute to parental stress levels. Therefore, the presence of sleep problems in ASD and ADHD requires prompt attention and management. This article is presented in 2 sections, one each for ASD and ADHD. First, a detailed literature review about the burden and prevalence of different types of sleep disorders is presented, followed by the pathophysiology and etiology of the sleep problems and evaluation and management of sleep disorders in ASD and ADHD.

The Effect ofConcussion Mechanism ofInjury onSleep Problems inActive Duty Service Members Following Deployment.

Sleep disruption is pervasive in the military and is generally exacerbated during deployment, partially due to increases in operational tempo and exposure to stressors and/or trauma. In particular, sleep disruption is a commonly reported symptom following deployment-related traumatic brain injury (TBI), though less is known about the prevalence of sleep disturbance as a function of whether the TBI was induced by high-level blast (HLB) or direct impact to the head. TBI assessment, treatment, and prognosis are further complicated by comorbidity with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and alcohol misuse. Here, we examine whether concussion mechanism of injury is associated with differences in the prevalence of self-reported sleep disturbance following deployment in a large sample of U.S. Marines while accounting for probable PTSD, depression, and alcohol misuse. This was a retrospective cohort study of active duty enlisted Marines with a probable concussion (N = 5757) who completed the Post-Deployment Health Assessment between 2008 and 2012. Probable concussion was defined as endorsement of a potentially concussive event with corresponding loss or alteration of consciousness. The presence of concussion-related sleep problems was assessed with a dichotomous item. Probable PTSD, depression, and alcohol misuse were assessed using the Primary Care PTSD Screen, the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, and the Alcohol Use Identification Test-Concise, respectively. Logistic regression models investigated the effects of mechanism of injury (HLB vs. impact), PTSD, depression, and alcohol misuse on the presence of sleep problems, adjusting for sex and pay grade. The study was approved by the Naval Health Research Center Institutional Review Board. Approximately 41% of individuals with a probable deployment-related concussion reported sleep problems following the event; 79% of concussed individuals reporting both HLB and probable PTSD reported sleep problems. All main effects were significantly associated with sleep disturbance in adjusted models. PTSD showed the strongest association with sleep disturbance (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.84), followed by depression (AOR = 2.43), HLB exposure (AOR = 2.00), female sex (AOR = 1.63), alcohol misuse (AOR = 1.14), and pay grade (AOR = 1.10). A significant HLB × PTSD interaction emerged (AOR = 1.58), which suggests that sleep disturbance was elevated among those with both HLB-induced (vs. impact-induced) concussions and presence (vs. absence) of PTSD. No other significant interactions emerged. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the prevalence of concussion-related sleep complaints following deployment as a function of the mechanism of injury in individuals with and without probable PTSD and depression. Individuals with HLB-induced concussion were twice as likely to report sleep problems as those with an impact-induced concussion. Future work should examine these effects longitudinally with validated measures that assess greater precision of exposure and outcome assessment (e.g., blast intensity and type of sleep disturbance).

Determining the relationship between sleep disturbances in children and parental stress during COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the relationship between child sleep disturbances and parental stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional web-based study was conducted between February and April 2021 among 409 parents residing in Turkey who had children between the ages of 6 and 16 years. Data were collected online using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). In the study, there was a significant relationship found between the mean scores of the SDSC and PSS (r = 0.499, p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, family type, socioeconomic status, occupation, the presence of sleep problems in the child before the pandemic, and the total score of the PSS significantly affected the total score of the SDSC. The presence of sleep problems in the child before the pandemic was significantly associated with the total score of the PSS (p < 0.05). Approximately 3.9% of the children had sleep disturbances (at scores over 70 points) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, as the stress levels of parents increase, the rate of sleep disturbances in their children increases, and many demographic characteristics are associated with the occurrence of sleep disturbances in their children. It is important that parents do not reflect on their stress related to the pandemic and that their children maintain a normal sleep pattern whenever possible. School nurses should educate children and their parents about the importance of enough sleep and factors that contribute to inadequate sleep among children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ПОКАЗНИКИ ЯКОСТІ СНУ У ПРАЦІВНИКІВ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ПОЛІЦІЇ

The article defines the quality of sleep of Police officers, which directly affects the quality of their performance of their functional duties, the state of mental and physical health. 60 people aged 34 to 39 years, 25 women and 35 men with different years of service in the police (from 13 to 18 years) took part in the study. The following research methods were used: the Epworth sleepiness scale for assessing the degree of sleepiness of a person; the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which is used to assess sleep problems; methods of mathematical statistics. Unsatisfactory quality of sleep among workers in this field, related to the nature of work, was established. The average degree of daytime sleepiness was observed in 68% of men and 80% of women, and daytime sleepiness above the norm was characteristic of 31% of men and 20% of women. 48% of women and 31% of men are not satisfied with the quality of their sleep. “The presence of sleep problems” was noted by 56% of women against 27% of men. The analysis of the subjects’ complaints showed a statistically significant predominance of snoring complaints in men (23% against 4% of women). Both men and women attribute sleep problems to “physical fatigue” without statistically significant gender differences. Among the possible household factors that play a role in the development of sleep disorders, the following prevailed in men and women in the first place: tea consumption in 42% of men against 48% in women; 40% of men use coffee against 32% of women; 40% of men smoke cigarettes against 16% of women. The results of our study on the sleep latency component indicate that the majority of women and men had a delay in the onset of sleep in the interval from 0 to 15 minutes, which may indicate a lack of sleep. A comparative assessment of sleep duration shows that only 36% of men and 48% of women have sufficient (more than 8 hours per day) sleep. The conducted studies revealed a slight violation of the quality and quantity of sleep, which affects the work capacity and quality of life of the National Police employees.

Parental Sleep, Distress, and Quality of Life in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Longitudinal Report from Diagnosis up to Three Years Later.

Simple SummaryThis study assessed sleep problems, distress, and quality of life in parents of children with the most common form of childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Parents completed questionnaires at different time points, shortly after diagnosis until 1 year after end of treatment. Before this study, longitudinal research on parental psychosocial functioning, especially sleep problems, was sparse. This study shows that although parental functioning improves over time, 33% of parents still report sleep problems three years after their child’s diagnosis. Half of those parents also report clinical distress. Presence of sleep problems and distress negatively affects quality of life over time. Vulnerable parents are those who experience little social support or parenting problems, report a chronic illness for themselves or pain for their child, have a child with higher risk ALL, and are closer to diagnosis. This study stresses the importance of systematically monitoring parental functioning both throughout and after treatment—including sleep.This study assessed sleep, distress and quality of life (QoL) in parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) from diagnosis to three years after, and the impact of sleep and distress on QoL. Additionally, this study explored determinants of sleep and distress. Parents completed the MOS Sleep, Distress Thermometer for Parents and SF-12 at four-five months (T0), one year (T1), two years (T2), and three years (T3) after diagnosis. The course of outcomes and longitudinal impact of clinically relevant sleep problems (>1SD above reference’s mean) and clinical distress (score ≥ 4) on QoL Z-scores were assessed with linear mixed-models. Determinants of sleep and distress were assessed with multinomial mixed-models. Parents (81% mothers) of 139 patients (60% males; 76% medium-risk (MR)) participated. Distress and QoL gradually restored from T0 to T3. Sleep problems improved, but were still elevated at T3: 33% reported clinically relevant sleep problems, of which 48% in concurrence with distress. Over time, presence of sleep problems or distress led to lower mental QoL Z-scores (SD-score −0.2 and −0.5, respectively). Presence of both led to a cumulatively lower Z-score (SD-score −1.3). Parents in the latter group were more likely to report insufficient social support, parenting problems, a chronic illness, pain for their child, having a child with MR-ALL, and being closer to diagnosis. In conclusion, parental well-being improves over time, yet sleep problems persist. In combination with ongoing distress, they cumulatively affect QoL. Special attention should be given to parents who are vulnerable to worse outcomes.

Suicidal Behavior in the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose of ReviewSince the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been numerous social changes to try to ​​contain the spread of the disease. These sudden changes in daily life have also changed the way we relate to others, in addition to creating a climate of uncertainty and fear. Therefore, the objective of this review is to compile published data of the consequences of suicidal behavior in the first months from the onset of the pandemic.Recent FindingsThe analysis reflects a concern about issues related to suicide since the beginning of the pandemic. A large number of online surveys have been released and have provided data on relatively large populations. The percentage of the population with suicidal ideation in that period seems to be approximately 5–15%. Many studies associate suicidal ideation with being young, female, and presence of sleep problems. Surveys of healthcare workers do not seem to indicate a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation compared to the general population. The incidence of suicide attempts seen in emergency departments did not seem to change, while the number of visits for other issues, unrelated to suicide, did decrease. The few studies on completed suicide do not indicate an increase in incidence in these first 6 months since March 2020, when the WHO declared the start of the pandemic.SummaryIt does not seem that there have been major changes in the figures related to suicidal behavior in the studies from the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, although it is still too early to know the consequences it will have long term. The social and economic damages resulting from the pandemic will certainly take a long time to recover.

Sleep Patterns and Development of Children With Atopic Dermatitis

To evaluate sleep patterns and the development of children with atopic dermatitis at an early age.In the study, the researchers included 80 children seen in a pediatric allergy clinic at the ages of 0 to 36 months who had atopic dermatitis, did not have any other chronic disease, and did not have a known developmental delay.This was a cross-sectional study in which the sociodemographic characteristics and clinical information of the patients were recorded. Severity of AD was evaluated according to the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis index. The sleep pattern and development of the patients were assessed by the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire and by the Guide for Monitoring Childhood Development, respectively. The primary outcome of the study was defining sleep patterns and the development of children with AD.The median age of the patients was 6 months; 63.7% of them were male and 50% of them had sleep problems. Male sex, having AD in the first 3 months after diagnosis, and moderate to severe AD were determined as risk factors for sleep problems. In all, 12.5% of the patients needed support for ≥1 developmental areas (gross motor skills, expressive language and communication, receptive language, fine motor skills, relationship, and play). Developmental delay was higher in patients with sleep problems. Multiple siblings and the presence of sleep problems were found to be risk factors for developmental delay.Boys with moderate to severe AD within the first 3 months of diagnosis were at increased risk for sleep problems. Children with AD who have multiple siblings and sleep problems should be evaluated for developmental delay and monitored closely.This is a unique study evaluating both sleep patterns and developmental problems together in children ages 0 to 36 months with AD. Frequent nighttime awakenings affected particularly the development of gross motor skills. Early detection of such problems may help prevent behavioral and cognitive dysfunction in later years. Further studies in this area are needed.

Sleep and daytime problems during the COVID-19 pandemic and effects of coronavirus infection, confinement and financial suffering: a multinational survey using a harmonised questionnaire

ObjectivesSleep is important for human health and well-being. No previous study has assessed whether the COVID-19 pandemic impacts sleep and daytime function across the globe.MethodsThis large-scale international survey used a...

Swiss GPs\u2019 preferences for antidepressant treatment in mild depression: vignette-based quantitative analysis

BackgroundGPs frequently prescribe antidepressants in mild depression. The aim of this study was to examine, how often Swiss GPs recommend antidepressants in various clinical presentations of mild depression and which factors contribute to antidepressant treatment recommendations.MethodsWe conducted an online survey among Swiss GPs with within-subject effect analysis. Alternating case vignettes described a typical female case of mild depression according to International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition criteria, with and without anxiety symptoms and sleep problems. GPs indicated for each vignette their preferred treatments (several recommendations were possible). Additionally, we assessed GP characteristics, attitudes towards depression treatments, and elements of clinical decision-making.ResultsAltogether 178 GPs completed the survey. In the initial description of a case with mild depression, 11% (95%-CI: 7%-17%) of GPs recommended antidepressants. If anxiety symptoms were added to the same case, 29% (23%-36%) recommended antidepressants. If sleep problems were mentioned, 47% (40%-55%) recommended antidepressants, and if both sleep problems and anxiety symptoms were mentioned, 63% (56%-70%) recommended antidepressants. Several factors were independently associated with increased odds of recommending antidepressants, specifically more years of practical experience, an advanced training in psychosomatic and psychosocial medicine, self-dispensation, and a higher perceived effectiveness of antidepressants. By contrast, a higher perceived influence of patient characteristics and the use of clinical practice guidelines were associated with reduced odds of recommending antidepressants.ConclusionsConsistent with depression practice guidelines, Swiss GPs rarely recommended antidepressants in mild depression if no co-indications (i.e., sleep problems and anxiety symptoms) were depicted. However, presence of sleep problems and anxiety symptoms, many years of practical experience, overestimation of antidepressants’ effectiveness, self-dispensation, an advanced training in psychosomatic and psychosocial medicine, and non-use of clinical practice guidelines may independently lead to antidepressant over-prescribing.

Assessment of Sleep-Related Problems in Children with Cerebral Palsy Using the SNAKE Sleep Questionnaire.

Cerebral palsy (CP) represents the most common motor impairment in childhood. The presence of sleep problems has not yet been investigated with an instrument specifically designed for this population. In this hospital-based, prospective study, N = 100 children (M = 7.9, range: 2–18 years) with CP were included. All patients underwent pediatric neurologists’ screening incorporating instruments (Data Collection Form; Gross Motor Functions Classification System, GMFCS; Bimanual Fine Motor Function, BFMF) recommended by the “Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE)”. Parents completed the “Sleep Questionnaire for Children with Severe Psychomotor Impairment (SNAKE)”. Children’s sleep behavior was increasingly conspicuous, with greater gross motor (SNAKE scales: disturbances remaining asleep, daytime sleepiness) and fine motor (additionally SNAKE scale arousal and breathing problems) functional impairment. Overall, a proportion of children showed sleep behavior outside the SNAKE’s normal range. No relevant sleep differences were identified between different CP subtypes and comorbidities. Applying a population-specific questionnaire, children’s functional impairment seems to be more relevant to their sleep behavior than the CP subtype or CP comorbidities.

Psychometric properties of the Sleep Hygiene Index in a large Italian community sample

Objective/backgroundPoor sleep hygiene is considered an exacerbating and perpetuating factor of sleep disturbances and is also associated with poor mental health. The Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) is a self-report measure assessing adherence to sleep hygiene practices. The aim of this study was to estimate the psychometric properties of the SHI in an Italian representative sample of the general population, following a formative measurement approach. Patients/methodsParticipants (n = 6276; M = 33.62, SD = 13.45) completed the SHI alongside measures of sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and stress. To consider the item formative nature, sets of item-composites weighted by means of canonical correlation analysis was created and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was implemented. Factorial invariance tests were computed considering both presence of sleep problems and presence of emotional distress symptoms as grouping variables. Results and conclusionsCFA confirmed the unidimensional structure of SHI. Internal consistency was acceptable (ω = 0.752). Test-retest reliability at 8–10 months presented an ICC of 0.666. SHI significantly correlated with sleep, depression, anxiety and stress symptoms (r range from 0.358 to 0.500). Configural and metric invariance were reached for both grouping variables. Partial scalar invariance was obtained only across emotional distress groups. People with emotional symptoms reported higher latent means on the sleep hygiene dimension. Findings support the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the SHI. Importantly, the SHI showed robust psychometric properties both in healthy individuals and in individual reporting mental health symptoms. Thus, it is advisable to use this version of the SHI in both research and clinical practice.

The Effect of Methylphenidate Treatment on Sleep in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Our study aimed to compare the pre- and post-treatment sleep habits of children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who use methylphenidate and to evaluate the effect of the treatment on sleep problems. Methods: This study includes pre-treatment and post-treatment evaluations. Children's sleep habits and problems were assessed with the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). We gave scales for the parents and teachers of 51 patients who participated in the study. Results: When the sub-scales of CSHQ applied before and after the treatment were analyzed, we found that only the parasomnia subscale score was statistically significantly higher before the treatment (p=0.026); and there was no statistically significant difference between other subscale scores (p>0.05). Compared to whether there is a sleep problem before and after treatment, there was no significant difference between them (p=0.993). Conclusion: In our study, after methylphenidate treatment, we found that parasomnia decreased. We found that there was no difference between the pre- and post-methylphenidate treatment in the presence of sleep problems. Considering the inconsistent results of studies on the effect of methylphenidate on sleep problems, studies requiring longer-term treatments and evaluating sleep habits and problems with more objective methods are needed.

Lower predicted probabilities of attained Lifés Simple 7 factors in the presence of sleep problems

Abstract Background Given that sleep disturbances seem to be increasing in Brazil, this may have serious implications on Cardiovascular Health and mortality. Objective To examine the predicted probabilities of attained Lifés Simple 7 factors (LS7) in the presence of sleep problems among Brazilian adults. Methods We used data from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS), a nationally representative cross-sectional household survey of adults in Brazil. Cardiovascular Health was assessed by the sum of Lifés Simple 7 factors (LS7), which includes four behaviors (smoking, physical activity, body mass index and diet) and three biological factors (hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and diabetes). We analyzed self-reported data from 36,480 Brazilian adults aged 18 and over, including the sleep problems. We estimated predicted probabilities after multivariate Poisson regression. Results Mean CVH scores was higher among those who did not report sleep disturbances [4.2 (95% CI: 4.1; 4.2)], than those with sleep disturbances [3.8 (95% CI: 3.7; 3.8)]. Predicted probabilities of attained LS7 and CVH score was lower in the presence of sleep complaints, with a dose response for blood pressure, glucose, smoking and CVH score in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, for age, sex, schooling, depression and night work shift. Conclusions Brazilian adults with sleep disturbances are less likely to achieve LS7 and consequently ideal cardiovascular health. Given that sleep disturbances seem to be increasingly more common in Brazil, recent gains in CVH mortality may be affected. Key messages Sleep disturbances may potentially affect metabolic outcomes and modifiable lifestyles behaviors as decreased physical activity and smoking. Sleep disturbances is novel risk factor for metabolic diseases.

Sleep Patterns and Development of Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that begins in early childhood. Sleep problems have increased in children with AD. The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep patterns and the development of children with AD at an early age. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study consisting of a total of 80 children aged 0–36 months with AD. Patients were evaluated by the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire and International Guide for Monitoring Child Development. Results: The median age (IQR) of the patients was 6 (4.25–9) months, 63.7% of them were male and 50% of them had sleep problems. Male sex (OR: 3.78, p = 0.024, 95% CI, 0.083–0.837), patients with AD who were in the first 3 months after diagnosis (OR: 3.56; 95% CI, 1.220–10.43, p = 0.020), and moderate-severe AD (OR: 5.09; 95% CI, 1.649–15.748, p = 0.005) were determined as risk factors for sleep problems. In all, 12.5% of the patients needed support for one or more developmental areas (gross motor skills, expressive language and communication, receptive language, fine motor skills, relationship, and play). Developmental delay was higher in patients with sleep problems (p = 0.037). Multiple siblings (OR: 14.381; 95% CI, 1.557–132.871, p = 0.019) and the presence of sleep problems (OR: 8.011; 95% CI, 1.764–36.387, p = 0.024) were found to be risk factors for developmental delay. Conclusion: Boys with moderate-severe AD within the first 3 months of diagnosis were at increased risk for sleep problems. Children with AD who have multiple siblings and sleep problems should be evaluated for developmental delay and monitored closely.

Sleep disturbance and sleep insufficiency in primary caregivers and their children with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundChronically ill children and their parents are at risk for sleep disorders and associated morbidity. Sleep disturbance prevalence and the relationships between parent and child sleep among children with CF are not well defined. Clarifying the presence and impact of sleep disturbances among pediatric CF patients and their parents could lead to improved health in this population. MethodsCross-sectional study assessing parent-reported sleep in ninety-one CF patients (mean age 8.8 years; 53.8% female) and their primary caregivers. Sleep sufficiency determined using American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines; correlation coefficients computed for sleep problem domains; stepwise multiple linear regression determined predictive models for sleep duration. ResultsParents reported concerns about their own sleep and that of their children. Night waking and daytime sleepiness were most common in parents; prolonged sleep latency was most common for children. Most parents and children had inadequate sleep duration. School-age children had the highest frequencies of overall sleep concerns and inadequate sleep. Most parent and child sleep problem domains were significantly associated, with large effects for similar parent and child problems. Stepwise multiple linear regression demonstrated that CF caregiver/patient sleep duration was significantly predicted by insomnia symptoms. ConclusionsMany CF children and their parents experience sleep difficulties including inadequate sleep duration, with presence of sleep problems in many families whose children with CF had normal lung function. These data suggest that sleep health should be a CF Care Model component and should be a health care focus for families of children with other chronic illness.

Predictors of pain in general ageing populations: results from a multi-country analysis based on ATHLOS harmonized database

BackgroundPain is a common symptom, often associated with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, and experienced especially by females and by older people, and with increasing trends in general populations. Different risk factors for pain have been identified, but generally from studies with limited samples and a limited number of candidate predictors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictors of pain from a large set of variables and respondents.MethodsWe used part of the harmonized dataset of ATHLOS project, selecting studies and waves with a longitudinal course, and in which pain was absent at baseline and with no missing at follow-up. Predictors were selected based on missing distribution and univariable association with pain, and were selected from the following domains: Socio-demographic and economic characteristics, Lifestyle and health behaviours, Health status and functional limitations, Diseases, Physical measures, Cognition, personality and other psychological measures, and Social environment. Hierarchical logistic regression models were then applied to identify significant predictors.ResultsA total of 13,545 subjects were included of whom 5348 (39.5%) developed pain between baseline and the average 5.2 years’ follow-up. Baseline risk factors for pain were female gender (OR 1.34), engaging in vigorous exercise (OR 2.51), being obese (OR 1.36) and suffering from the loss of a close person (OR 1.88) whereas follow-up risk factors were low energy levels/fatigue (1.93), difficulties with walking (1.69), self-rated health referred as poor (OR 2.20) or average to moderate (OR 1.57) and presence of sleep problems (1.80).ConclusionsOur results showed that 39.5% of respondents developed pain over a five-year follow-up period, that there are proximal and distal risk factors for pain, and that part of them are directly modifiable. Actions aimed at improving sleep, reducing weight among obese people and treating fatigue would positively impact on pain onset, and avoiding vigorous exercise should be advised to people aged 60 or over, in particular if female or obese.

Prevalence of disability in activities of daily living among elderly in a rural community of Puducherry

Background: Normal ageing changes, acute illness and worsening chronic illness can lead to a decline in the ability to perform day to day tasks necessary to live independently. This research aims to study about the disability in activities of daily living among rural elderly in an union territory of south India.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for three months among 245 randomly selected rural elderly aged ≥60 years. Everyday abilities scale for India was used to assess disability in activities of daily living. Results were expressed in frequencies and percentages. Appropriate univariate and multivariate analyses were done.Results: The prevalence of disability in activities of daily living was found to be 13.9%. Univariate analysis found out that illiteracy, economic dependency, marital status, living arrangement and presence of sleep problems were significantly associated with disability in activities of daily living. Multivariate analysis observed that predictors of disability were economic dependency (aOR, 95% CI=9.15, 2.94–28.47) and living arrangement (aOR, 95% CI =8.00, 2.46–26.01).Conclusions: Disability in activities of daily living is a neglected serious issue and needs a community-based primary health care approach.

Assessment of Sleep Problems among Healthcare Providers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Riyadh

Background: Sleep disturbance occur in 10%-15% of the general population. This study aimed to assess sleep problems, and identify the factors effecting sleep among healthcare providers in KAMC. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted with currently working healthcare providers using self-administered questionnaire to assess sleeping habits, factors that affect sleep, specific sleep disorders. Chi square test and logistic regression was appliedto assess the association between different factors with sleep disorders. Results: Total 154 respondents retuned the questionnaire comprising 41 males and 112 females. Sleep disorders were reported among 52.5% healthcare providers. The most common sleep problem having significant association was feeling of beingtired during day time reported by 101 (90%) females (p-value=0.020). Healthcare providers who were working alternating day and night shifts were more likely to have sleep problems (OR=0.33, 95% CI=0.13–0.82, p-value=0.017).Conclusion: Sleep disorders are very common among healthcare providers. Irregular work schedules often result in disruption of normal circadian rhythm, which effect performance. Presence of sleep problems affects the day time performance due to feeling oftiredness and sleepiness. More focus on arrangement of suitable working shifts for the healthcare workers is needed.