Pattern of Sleep Disorders among Patients in a Nigerian Family Practice Population

Author(s):

Olanisun Adewolea*

Background: Sleep is required for optimal functioning; however data on sleep disorders are scarce in Family medicine practice in Nigeria. Objectives: The study determines the pattern of sleep disorder among patients attending the Family Practice Clinic at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife, (OAUTHC) Nigeria. Socio-demographic and clinical correlates associated with sleep disorder were identified. Methodology: Four hundred and ten patients attending the Family Practice clinic were selected by a systematic random sampling method were studied. Relevant data were collected using a pre-tested intervieweradministered questionnaire which included items from the Pittsburgh sleep quality index and Epworth Sleepiness scale. Results: Of the subjects were recruited, 284 (69.3%) were females. The overall mean age was 48.5+ 16.5 years with individuals aged 45-64 years and above constituting the majority (38.2%). Hypertension was the commonest medical condition seen in 147 (35.8%) subjects. Two hundred and eighty two (69%) subjects had sleep disorders. Dysomnias was the commonest sleep disorder, seen in 230 (56.1%) subjects, of which insomnia constituted the majority (48.7%) followed by snoring (32.2%). Overall the commonest sleep problem was insomnia, with a prevalence of 27.3%. One fifth of the study population had a high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea. Multiple regression analysis showed that older age (45 years and above), been separated, living close to a religious house and chronic medical condition increased the risk of sleep disorder with OR of 2.3, 2.9, 1.9 and 2.4 respectively, p < 0.05. Conclusion: About seven out of every 10 patients presenting to the Family Medicine Clinic of OAUTHC had sleep disorders. Routine screening for sleep disorders is important for early detection and treatment.