Original Research

Sociodemographic and health correlates of sleep problems and duration in older adults in South Africa

K Peltzer
South African Journal of Psychiatry | Vol 18, No 4 | a369 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v18i4.369 | © 2012 K Peltzer | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 12 June 2012 | Published: 01 December 2012

About the author(s)

K Peltzer, HIV/AIDS/SIT and TB (HAST), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, and Department of Psychology, University of Limpopo, Turfloop, South Africa

Abstract

Objective. To investigate sleeping problems, sleep duration and associated factors in a national probability sample of older South Africans who participated in the Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) in 2008.

Methods. In 2008 I conducted a national population-based cross-sectional study with a sample of 3 840 South African individuals aged ≥50 years. A questionnaire was used to survey sociodemographic characteristics and health variables, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were recorded.

Results. Of the participants, 9.1% reported having a sleeping problem at the time of the study. The average number of self-reported hours of sleep was 8.6 (SD ±2.1), with 11.6%, 45.1%, 20.0%, and 23.5% reporting ≤6, 7 - 8, 9, and ≥10 h, respectively. In multivariable analysis, depression, cognitive impairment, lack of social cohesion, and moderate or severe activity limitations were associated with having a current sleeping problem. In terms of sociodemographic and health variables, a short sleep duration was associated with: white, Indian/Asian or coloured ethnicity; daily tobacco use; and moderate and severe activity limitations. In participants aged 60 - 79 years, lower wealth, hypertension, risky drinking and lower health-related quality of life were associated with a long sleeping duration.

Conclusion. This study robustly characterised the prevalence of sleeping problems and specific associated risk factors in a large sample in South Africa. This can help to direct future healthcare efforts.


Keywords

Sleeping problem; sleep duration; associated factors; older adults; South Africa; WHO SAGE

Metrics

Total abstract views: 2754
Total article views: 4882

 

Crossref Citations

1. Gender differences in self-reported sleep problems among older adults in six middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study
Ritu Rani, Perianayagam Arokiasamy, Y. Selvamani, Ankit Sikarwar
Journal of Women & Aging  vol: 34  issue: 5  first page: 605  year: 2022  
doi: 10.1080/08952841.2021.1965425