Prevalence of Sleep Disturbances and Their Associations With Demographic and Clinical Characteristics and Quality of Life in Older Adults in Macao

PURPOSETo examine the prevalence of sleep disturbances (difficulty initiating sleep [DIS], difficulty maintaining sleep [DMS], and early morning awakening [EMA]), their socio-demographic and clinical correlates, and quality of life (QOL) in older adults in Macao. DESIGN AND METHODSFour hundred fifty-one subjects were interviewed using standardized instruments. FINDINGSThe prevalence of at least one type of sleep disturbance was 38.1%; the figures of DIS, DMS, and EMA were 18.6, 31.3, and 23.9%, respectively. Female sex and depressive symptoms were independently associated with more frequent sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances were independently associated with lower physical QOL. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONSSleep disturbances are common in older adults in Macao. Appropriate strategies should be implemented to prevent and treat sleep disturbances and concerted attempts should be made to improve access to treatment.