Sleep Quality of Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Qom, Iran, in 2018

Background Aims of the Study: Sleep disorders and poor sleep quality can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and depression as well as physical diseases. Such disorders are prevalent among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients; therefore, the present study aimed to determine the quality of sleep in MS patients in Qom, Iran, in 2018. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive-analytical study was performed on 272 MS patients who were members of the MS Society of Qom, Iran. The samples were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria using simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a demographic form and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Finally, the collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21) using descriptive statistics and analytical statistical tests. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Based on the findings, the mean score of sleep quality was 11.11±4.35. A total of 12.86% and 48.2% of the subjects had severe had moderate sleep disorders, respectively. However, 5.14% of them were not conflicted with any type of sleep disorder. Moreover, the sleep quality score had a significant relationship with age, occupation, marital status, and disease duration (P 0.05). However, the results of independent t-test showed no significant relationship between the mean sleep quality score and gender (P=0.578). Conclusion: A significant percentage of patients suffered from some kind of sleep disorder. Therefore, it is recommended to include regular sleep hygiene and sleep quality improvement training in the routine care of such patients.