Open Access Emergency Medicine (Jul 2021)
Exploring the Prevalence and Patterns of Use of Sleep Aids and Stimulants Among Emergency Physicians and EMS Providers in Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Osama Y Kentab,1 Ahmad AAl Ibrahim,1 Khaled R Soliman,1 Muna Aljahany,2 Abdulaziz I Alresseeni,1 Abdulaziz S Algarni1 1Emergency Department, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Muna AljahanyDepartment of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaTel +966 118233711Email [email protected]: This study explores the prevalence and patterns of the use of pharmacologic sleep aids and stimulants among Saudi Arabia’s emergency physicians (EPs) and emergency medical services (EMS) providers.Patients and Methods: We adopted a descriptive, cross-sectional design. To collect data on the types and frequencies of sleep aids and stimulants used, we distributed a semi-structured, anonymous, web-based questionnaire to registered EPs, paramedics, and emergency medicine technicians (EMTs) in the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. An internal consistency analysis showed good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha=0.667) of the questionnaire. A subscale analysis confirmed the results—alpha values were 0.720 and 0.618 for the use of sleep aids and stimulants, respectively.Results: Males and females represented 81.8% and 18.2%, respectively, of the valid sample of 669 participants. Respondents aged 25– 34, 35– 44, and 45– 55 years represented 51.9%, 32.7%, and 10.2% of the sample, respectively. Results showed that a majority of the respondents (67.1%) used stimulants. Caffeine was the most common stimulant; caffeine and energy drinks were used by 65.9% and 17.2% of the respondents, respectively. Caffeine, energy drinks, nicotine, and ephedrine were used by 65.9%, 17.2%, 18.5%, and 17.3% of the respondents, respectively. The respondents who used at least one sleeping aid and those using only one and two sleeping aids accounted for 36.6%, 15.6%, and 9.7%, respectively. The most common sleeping aids antihistamines and marijuana were used on most days by 13.4% and 13.3% of the respondents, respectively. The average monthly number of night shifts (P = 0.025) significantly influenced sleep aid use. Respondents working in night shifts for 3– 5 months or more than 7 days were more likely to use sleeping aids.Conclusion: Future research should enhance health workers’ knowledge of the efficacy and safety of these medications and guide strategies to organize and reduce night shift work.Keywords: sleep disruption, shift work, circadian rhythm, night shift
