Predictors of insomnia among adults presenting at the general outpatient department of a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: Sleeplessness has contributed negatively in no small measure to the quality of life of individuals who suffer from it. It
becomes imperative to study if there are sociodemographic predictors of insomnia so as to educate and counsel those presenting with
similar parameters.

Aim: To determine the sociodemographic predictors of insomnia among adult patients.

Method: The data for this descriptive, cross-sectional facility-based study was obtained through systematic random sampling  technique involving three hundred and seventeen adults selected using an interviewer administered questionnaire.

Result: The total prevalence of insomnia in the study was 28.4%. Poor sleepers were significantly older (χ²= 42.532; p < 0.001), married (χ² = 18.894; p < 0.001), had a family history of insomnia (χ² = 31.643; p < 0.001) and in polygamous family setting (χ²= 10.514; p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age and monogamous family setting were less likely to suffer from insomnia.

Conclusion: It is important for clinician to pay particular attention to family history of insomnia in their patient whatever their age.
This will help to educate and counsel those with family history of insomnia to pay particular attention to their sleep hygiene while they
are still young. This will ultimately reduce man power loss and increase productivity.

Key words: Insomnia, Adults, Sociodemographic, Predictors