Exploring Sleep Problems in School-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Analysis and Association with Children’s Psychiatric Diagnoses, Caregivers' Sleep Quality, and Stress
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Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the differences in sleep disturbance between children with psychiatric disorders and a control group and to explore the relationship between children's sleep disturbances and psychiatric diagnoses, as well as caregivers’ sleep problems and stress.
Methods: In this cross-sectional analytic study, the data were recruited from Thai children aged 6 - 10 years with any psychiatric diagnosis and compared with a control group consisting of students in grades 1 - 4 from a public school. Children’s sleep disturbances were examined using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) - Thai version. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) – Thai version and the Thai Perceived Stress Scale-10 (T-PSS-10) were used to evaluate caregivers’ sleep problems and stress. The binary logistic regression was employed to examine factors related to children's sleep disturbances. Additionally, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to pinpoint the significant factors relating to children's total CSHQ scores.
Results: Among 202 participants, 87 had psychiatric disorders, and 115 were controls. Those with psychiatric disorders had higher mean CSHQ scores (49.99 vs. 47.82) and a significantly higher percentage of sleep disturbances (57.47% vs. 45.22%) compared to controls. The significant associated factors with sleep disturbance in children were psychiatric disorders, medication use, caregivers' sleep quality, and stress levels. Adjusting for confounding variables with stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that psychiatric diagnosis, consuming caffeine after 5 PM, caregiver stress levels, and monthly income were significant predictors of total CSHQ scores.
Conclusion: Children with psychiatric disorders have a high risk of sleep disturbances. However, other factors such as caffeine intake, caregiver stress, and caregiver’s monthly income also play a role. Early identification and intervention for sleep problems in all children, along with promoting sleep hygiene and stress management for both caregivers and children, are crucial for overall well-being.
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