Sleep Science and Practice (Jul 2024)

Assessment of the importance of sleep quality and the effects of deprivation on Sudanese healthcare professionals amidst conflict in Sudan

  • Mohammed Hammad Jaber Amin,
  • Musab Awadalla Mohamed Elhassan Elmahi,
  • Gasm Alseed Abdelmonim Gasm Alseed Fadlalmoula,
  • Jaber Hammad Jaber Amin,
  • Noon Hatim Khalid Alrabee,
  • Mohammed Haydar Awad,
  • Zuhal Yahya Mohamed Omer,
  • Nuha Tayseer Ibrahim Abu Dayyeh,
  • Nada Abdalla Hassan Abdalkareem,
  • Esra Mohammed Osman Meisara Seed Ahmed,
  • Hadia Abdelrahman Hassan Osman,
  • Hiba A. O. Mohamed,
  • Dania Ibrahim Taha Othman,
  • Tagwa Saeed Ibrahim Badawe,
  • Eyha Abdulaziz Mustafa,
  • Ehtida Abdelmonem Hagar,
  • Aya Elshaikh Mohamedtoum Babiker,
  • Ammar Alemam Diab Alnour,
  • Estbrg Alsafi Mohamed Ahmed,
  • Eithar Hussein Elamin Garban,
  • Noura Satti Ali Mohammed,
  • Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed,
  • Mirza Adil Beig,
  • Muhammad Ashir Shafique,
  • Shahad Azhari Mohmed Ali,
  • Mazar Gamal Mohamed Elhag,
  • Mojtaba Majdy Elfakey Omer,
  • Asma Eltayeb Abdalla Mohamed,
  • Amna Alrasheed Abuzaid Ali,
  • Hiba Osman Ali Mohamed Elhassan,
  • Khlood Hamdi Ahmed Bin Saleh,
  • Maria Badraldin Ali,
  • Sahar Suliman Elzber Abdalla,
  • Waleed Mohammed Alhaj,
  • Elaf Sabri Khalil Mergani,
  • Hazim Hassan Mohammed Hassan,
  • Hind Mohamed Elfatih Fadl Elmula Ahmed,
  • Razan Abuelgasim Musa Subahi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s41606-024-00104-9
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Background Quality sleep is vital for well-being, especially for healthcare workers facing high risks of fatigue and burnout. Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive and motor functions, contributing to medical errors. Addressing sleep disorders among healthcare professionals is crucial for enhancing patient care. Tailored interventions are needed to support their well-being and improve healthcare outcomes. Objective To evaluate the effect of Sleep Quality and its Deprivation on Sudanese Healthcare Professionals amidst conflict in Sudan. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of Sudanese doctors was conducted using convenience sampling. The questionnaire covered sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and psychological well-being. Pilot testing ensured questionnaire clarity. Data collection utilized Google Forms distributed through social media and professional networks. A minimum sample size of 384 was calculated. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and various tests for significance. Data were securely stored and analyzed using SPSS and R software. Results Among 649 participants, 404 (62.2%) were women, with a mean age of 30.34 years. Most were single (434, 66.9%). General practitioners constituted the largest professional group (267, 41.1%), followed by registrars/residents (142, 21.9%). Participants took an average of 43.70 minutes to fall asleep and slept an average of 5.90 hours per night. According to the PSQI, 300 (46.2%) reported mild sleep disturbance, 287 (44.2%) moderate, 42 (6.5%) severe, and only 20 (3.1%) normal sleep. The ESS revealed 285 (43.9%) with lower normal daytime sleepiness, 188 (29.0%) with higher normal, and various levels of excessive daytime sleepiness. Stress levels varied, with 398 (61.3%) reporting normal stress, while anxiety ranged from 248 (38.2%) normal to 148 (22.8%) extremely severe. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of addressing sleep quality, mental health, and performance challenges among Sudanese healthcare professionals. It highlights the need for hospitals to implement measures enabling more time off, adequate sleep, and reduced on-call service days. Healthcare workers must recognize the significance of these factors for their well-being and patient care quality. The research outcomes can raise awareness about the necessity of regulating healthcare practitioners' working hours and ensuring adequate sleep.

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