The Prevalence, Pattern, and Predictors of Sleep Disorders Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in a Southern Nigerian City

Abstract

Background: Sleep disorders are a common and often undiagnosed chronic health problem associated with an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome and pregnancy complications.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to find out how common sleep disturbances are among pregnant women in Calabar, as well as their patterns and risk factors.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 antenatal attendees in the three major public health facilities in Calabar and 338 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Socio-demographic, medical, and obstetrics information were obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Major international sleep classification tools were used to identify the patterns of sleep disturbance. Their weights and heights as well as their blood pressures (BPs) were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The predicting factors were extracted using a logistic regression model.

Results: The prevalence of sleep disorder was 44.1%. The most common pattern of sleep disorder was insomnia (34.6%). Nineteen (5.6%) of them reported mixed disorders. On logistic analysis, pregnant women with normal BP (odds ratio [OR]: 0.440, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.230–0.843, P = 0.013), normal body mass index (OR: 0.365, 95% CI: 0.133–1.001, P = 0.050) and maternal age 20–30 years, (OR: 0.169, 95% CI: 0.30–0.969, P = 0.046) were significantly less likely to suffer from sleep disorders. Residing in a single a room apartment with family members was an independent social determinant of sleep deprivation (OR: 2.009, 95% CI: 1.003–4.025, P = 0.049).

Conclusion: The study suggested that the prevalence of sleep disturbance is high among pregnant women. Counseling on good quality sleep during pregnancy may improve pregnancy outcome by ensuring appropriate weight gain and good BP control.