The Burden of Sleep Problems: A Pilot Observational Study in an Ethnically Diverse Urban Primary Care Setting. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seng, Elizabeth K.; Cervoni, Cynthia; Lawson, Jessica L.; Oken, Tanya; Sheldon, Sloane; McKee, M. Diane; Bonuck, Karen A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of primary care & community health. Volume 7:Number 4(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 280
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: sleep -- screening -- primary care -- urban -- insomnia -- sleep apnea; Primary health care -- Periodicals; Primary health care -- United States -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.12
• DOI: 10.1177/2150131916651068
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2150-1319

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disorders affect up to 1 in 4 adults and can adversely affect a variety of health conditions. However, little is known about detection of sleep disorders in ethnically diverse urban primary care settings.Methods: Patients in urban primary care settings completed surveys to screen for sleep problems and identify comorbid conditions. Providers were given screening results, and provided feedback regarding their clinical utility.Results: Participants (n = 95) were predominantly women (76.8%) and black, non-Hispanic (46.3%), or Hispanic (38.9%). High proportion of participants screened positive for insomnia (31.6%) and screened high risk for sleep apnea (42.1%). Only one-third (32.6%) of participants reported sleeping the recommended 7 to 9 hours per night. The presence of chronic pain (χ 2 = 4.97, P = .03) was associated with clinically significant insomnia. Obesity was associated with fewer hours of sleep per night, t = 2.19(87), P = .03, and risk for sleep apnea (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.28-7.50). Participants were interested in receiving help for sleep issues during their primary care visits (40%), and providers found the screening at least somewhat useful (74.4%).Discussion: Results highlight the potentially high unmet need for screening and treatment of sleep problems in ethnically diverse urban primary care settings.