Prevalence and factors associated with sleep disturbance among children and adolescents with sickle cell disease at Mulago national referral hospital – Uganda

Abstract

Children with sickle cell disease are at an increased risk of abnormal sleep disturbance. However, the proportions of such sleep problems are not well documented in this population in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa. If screened and diagnosed early, sleep disorders can be managed and complications prevented.Objective. To determine the prevalence and factors associated with sleep disturbance among children and adolescents with sickle cell disease at the sickle cell clinic of Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methods; We enrolled children and adolescents with sickle cell disease at sickle cell clinic of Mulago National Referral Hospital using consecutive sampling. Using semi-structured and interviewer- administered questionnaires and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) tool, we captured socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and data on sleep disorders. Simple frequency was used to determine proportion of sleep disturbances for participants with SDSC scores 51 and above. Logistic regression with bivariate and multi