Prevalence of insomnia among the post-menopausal women who suffered from COVID-19 in Bangladesh: A nationwide cross-sectional study

• Published in: Heliyon 2023-03, Vol.9 (3), p.e14548-e14548, Article e14548
• Main Authors: Koly, Kamrun Nahar, Muzaffar, Rasma, Monisha, Umme Kulsum, Saba, Jobaida, Rahman, Lamisa, Billah, Md. Arif, Das, Jyoti, Kabir Rozars, Md. Faisal, Alam, Nishat, Kamrunnahar, Chowdhury, Sreshtha, Rehnuma Abdullah, Hossain Hawlader, Mohammad Delwer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bangladesh; COVID-19; Insomnia; Mental health; Post-menopausal women
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14548

The impact of the pandemic on sleeping problems in all age groups has been widely reported, but insomnia in post-menopausal women has been understudied worldwide. The study sought to determine the prevalence and associated factors for insomnia in post-menopausal women who were infected with COVID-19 in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional telephonic survey was conducted from August to December 2021 among post-menopausal women with a history of COVID-19 infection in Bangladesh. Data on socio-demographic factors, lifestyle and behavioral factors, COVID-19-associated factors, and self-reported pre-existing co-morbidities were collected. A validated scale Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was applied to assess the level of insomnia . Bivariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the associated factors with insomnia. Of the total 900 participants, the prevalence of insomnia was reported at 70%, with 33.67% moderately severe, 25.11% subthreshold, and 11.22% severe insomnia. Participants with increased ISI scores were significantly more likely to be retired, had 2-4 children, felt disturbed by COVID-19 related news, hospitalized for COVID-19 management, receieved the first dose of vaccine, and experienced post COVID-19 symptoms such as fatigue, lack of concentration, and memory loss. On the other hand, living in a nuclear family and taking care of COVID-19-infected family members were significantly negatively associated with insomnia. Our findings indicate the need to safeguard the well-being considerations of post-menopausal women through a well-designed comprehensive social safety net program for the present pandemic and similar crises in the future.