Publication:

Sleep quality and its associated factors among elderly population in a rural area of West Bengal

Background The problems with sleep increases sharply with age and can have profound effects among the elderly. The present study was done to assess the prevalence of sleep quality and its associated risk factors among the elderly people in a rural area of West Bengal.

Methods Cross-sectional study was done at Arkhali village, West Bengal, among 80 elderly individuals of 60 years and above age during February and March 2020. Face to Face interview was conducted using self - designed general socio-demographic questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), 7 – Item General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Scale and 5 – Item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Chi-square test was done to test association using SPSS 20 software.

Results The mean age of the respondents was 70.1 ± 6.9 years and majority (60%) were females. Prevalence of poor sleep quality (GPSQI≥5) was 75%. The mean GPSQI of the study was 8.33±4.272.  Increasing age category (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.003), present living status (p=0.006), health problems (p=0.014), help for daily activities (p=0.030), mosquitoes disturbing sleep (p=0.001), generalised anxiety (p=0.001) and Geriatric depression (p=0.001) had a significant association with poor sleep quality.

Conclusions Healthcare providers should regularly provide sleep health education, encourage participation in family activities, sharing of ideas and making of compromises within the family.