How do we sleep? Assessment of sleep quality in primary care

Abstract

Aim: Assessment of sleep quality in adult primary care patients Type of study: Cross-sectional study Place: Gil Eanes Family Health Unit – Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho, EPE Population: Adult primary care patients Methods: We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Good sleep quality was defined as a PSQI less or equal to 5 and poor sleep quality as a PSQI greater than 5. We also collected data on age, sex, marital status, schooling, profession, and professional status, a personal history of psychiatric problems and the use of sleep medication. The questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of adult patients on the practice lists of the researchers. Patients with chronic illnesses, cognitive dysfunction, pregnant women, women up to 6 weeks postpartum, and illiterate patients were excluded from the study. Results: The study included 103 patients, of which 36,9% were men. Sleep problems were found in over half of the study sample (PSQI < 5 in 52,4% versus PSQI <= 5 in 47,6%). There were significant associations found between sleeping quality and sex, age, education and professional status. Conclusions: Sleep disorders are common in primary care patients and family physicians are well placed to diagnose and treat them. The PSQI is a good instrument for assessing sleep quality.