Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding sleep and sleep hygiene among patients presenting to out-patient and emergency room services at a Teaching Hospital in Karachi

摘要

Objectives: To study the knowledge, attitude and practices with regards to sleep and sleep hygiene among patients visiting the Out-Patient and Emergency Room services at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Out-Patient and Emergency Room services of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. The questionnaire included demographic profile of the participant and questions based on the study objective. The details of the study were explained to the participants, a written Informed Consent was taken and confidentiality was assured. Those who could not read or write or understand English were assisted accordingly. Results: Three hundred seventy six respondents were interviewed, the majority being women (57.7%) and married (62.2%). A majority 212 (56.4%) respondents were between 25 and 49 years of age. The majority of the respondents had acquired above grade X (Matriculation) education, and were either students or housewives or in private service. The mean number of hours of sleep per day was 7.03 hours. About 60.4% of the respondents sleep 6-8 hours and 23.7% of the respondents believe sedatives should be used in case of insomnia while 9.0% of the respondents actually take sleeping pills. Only 33.8% of the respondents always feel fresh on waking up in the morning. Disruptions and snoring during sleep have been reported. About 27.1% of the respondents have rated their sleep quality as five or less, based on the rating scale 1-10 with 10 being highest quality. Conclusion: Sleep and sleep hygiene is a neglected area of clinical care requiring further research and intervention in terms of educational programs for patients.