Poor Sleep Quality and Associated Factors among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North Kerala: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Sleep is a vital determinant of physical and mental well-being, particularly among healthcare workers who are exposed to demanding work schedules, shift duties, and occupational stress. Poor sleep quality adversely affects health, job performance, and patient safety. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of poor sleep quality and identify its associated factors among healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital in Wayanad, Kerala. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 healthcare workers employed at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Wayanad, Kerala. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising sociodemographic details, occupational characteristics, lifestyle factors, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A global PSQI score >5 was considered indicative of poor sleep quality. Data were analysed using appropriate jamovi 2.3.28.0. Associations between sleep quality and independent variables were assessed using the Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 204 healthcare workers were included in the study, with females constituting 57.4% of the participants. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 48.5%. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with smartphone use after 9 PM, working more than 10 h/day, hypertension, and high caffeine consumption (P < 0.05). On multivariable logistic regression, smartphone use after 9 PM (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–4.12) and hypertension (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.05–3.60) remained independent predictors of poor sleep quality. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality affected a substantial proportion of healthcare workers, underscoring its importance as an occupational health issue. Alcohol consumption emerged as the only significant correlate of poor sleep quality, suggesting that behavioral factors may have a greater influence than demographic or workplace characteristics in this setting. Incorporating sleep health assessment into occupational health programs and promoting healthy lifestyle practices may improve healthcare workers’ well-being and work performance.