A cross-sectional survey of sleep patterns and quality and its association with psychological symptoms among doctors working in a COVID-19 care facility

Abstract

Context: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has led to several psychological symptoms among frontline doctors of which sleep disturbances are common. Stress due to isolation and disease-related factors are known to be associated with sleep disturbances. Aim: The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of poor sleep and its association with psychological symptoms among doctors working in COVID-19 tertiary hospital. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 150 doctors who were treating COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: The survey contained a semi-structured questionnaire including sociodemographic details, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale. Analysis was done using the SPSS v20. Results: Of 150 doctors, we found 67 (44.67%) and 83 (55.33%) doctors were poor sleepers and good sleepers, respectively. Those who were married ( P = 0.001), had higher working hours per month ( P = 0.001), the presence of family history of psychiatric illness ( P = 0.008), and history of substance use ( P = 0.007) were associated with poor sleep. Furthermore, poor sleep was associated with higher stress ( P = 0.001), anxiety ( P = 0.001), and depression ( P = 0.001). A multiple logistic regression revealed that family history of psychiatric illness (odds ratio [OR]-5.44, P = 0.01) and the presence of substance use (OR-7.77, P = 0.01) predicted poor sleep. Conclusion: Sleep pattern abnormalities were present in 45% of the frontline COVID-19 doctors studied. Family history of psychiatric illness and substance use was associated with higher chances of having poor sleep. It is important to recognize and manage sleep abnormalities as these could be initial signs of a psychiatric disorder or manifestations of underlying stress, especially in the vulnerable population.