Sleep quality and anxiety among Egyptian population during covid-19 pandemic

Objectives: COVID-19 pandemic imposed a relevant number of stressful factors potentially impacting either daytime function or sleep quality. This study aimed to assess the sleep quality and anxiety among the general population living in Egypt. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,000 individuals who have been recruited via a convenience sample. A predesigned questionnaire was distributed online to collect data on sleep quality using the validated Arabic version of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, anxiety disorders by the generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) scale, demographic characteristics, and clinical history Results: Among the study participants (33.8% males, 46.2% healthcare workers, 25% had chronic diseases, 30.1% were physically active during lockdown, and 70.3% reported work termination due to COVID-19 infection, 68.4% complained of bad sleep and 70.3% showed clinically significant levels of anxiety). In multiple logistic regression analysis, bad sleep quality was significantly associated with moderate anxiety (OR 1.88; [95% CI: 1.37-2.601), severe anxiety (OR 3.15; [95% CI: 2.18-4.551), being physically active (OR 0.53; [95% CI: 0.39-0.71]), received higher education as being postgraduate (OR 0.56; [95% CI: 0.35-0.921), or living with family (OR 0.74; [95% CI :0.56-0.981).The GAD-7 scale added 8% discrimination power for prediction of bad sleep quality compared to the model based on demographic and clinical data [with GAD: AUC=0.70, p<0.001; without GAD: AUC=0.62, p<0.001]. Conclusion: COVID-19 had a significant impact on sleep quality and anxiety among Egyptians. Since both the conditions may overlap and potentiate each other leading to chronic dysfunctional outcomes, an accurate assessment and clinical approach may favor a better prognosis.

Automated summary

This study assessed the impact of COVID-19 on sleep quality and anxiety among the general population in Egypt. The results showed a significant effect, with a high percentage of participants reporting bad sleep and clinically significant levels of anxiety. Factors such as physical activity, higher education, and living with family were associated with better sleep quality.