The influence of education level on sleep-related outcomes and sleep management strategies in prostate cancer patients

Abstract

Introduction: Insomnia symptoms are common among prostate cancer (PCa) patients. We explore here whether education level is associated with sleep-related outcomes, and preference for sleep management strategies. Methods: A short online survey was posted on Facebook with the help of Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand. The survey consisted of scales on sleep-related parameters, as well as questions about sleep management strategies. Results: Demographic data were similar between participants with (n = 49) and without (n = 32) university education. Participants with no university education were more likely to receive external beam radiation (P = 0.035) than participants without university education. In addition, those without university education also had significantly more comorbidities (P = 0.046), higher body mass index (P = 0.048), and more severe fatigue (P = 0.031) but similar levels of insomnia symptoms (P = 0.50), sleepiness (P = 0.36) and morningness-eveningness (P = 0.07) than those with university education. After controlling for age, number of comorbidities, and insomnia severity, lower education was associated with lower likelihood of having used herbal remedies or supplements for improving sleep (OR = 0.208, P = 0.041). Education level is not related to the use of sleep medication, cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness, acupuncture, hypnosis for sleep management in PCa patients. Conclusion: Education level is not associated with insomnia symptoms, but with fatigue level and the use of herbal remedies or supplements for sleep management in PCa patients.