Changes of sleep patterns in primary care workers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 in Shanghai

Abstract

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant influence on the sleep health of healthcare workers (HCWs); however, there are no studies on this aspect in primary HCWs. The purpose of this cross-sectional, web-based study was to explore the prevalence and factors associated with sleep disorders among primary care providers during the first COVID-19 outbreak in 2022 in Shanghai. Methods: From July 12 to August 15, 2022, primary HCWs were invited to participate in a survey of their sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, various sleep dimensions (regularity, quality, daytime sleepiness, timing, efficiency, and duration), and exposure to COVID-19 patients and a screening for common mental disorders (depression, burnout, and stress). Results: A total of 313 primary HCWs participated the survey, representing 11 distinct healthcare roles. 84% of respondents showed a deterioration in at least one sleep dimension compared to those at pre-pandemic levels; sleep quality (decline of 66%) and daytime sleepiness (increase of 56%) were the most strongly affected domains. After excluding 145 primary HCWs with pre-pandemic “poor sleep,” positive depression screening (odds ratio [OR], 3.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59–5.98), weekly burnout symptoms (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.32–5.03), and high psychological stress (OR, 4.51; 95% CI, 2.09–9.72) were associated with poor sleep patterns during the pandemic. After adjusting for significant differences between groups, for every 1-point increase in the perceived stress scale score, there was an associated 12% increased risk of poor sleep (adjusted OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05–1.21; P=0.002). Conclusion: A majority of the primary HCWs showed a significant worsening of sleep quality, with an increase in daytime sleepiness, during the first wave of the COVID‑19 pandemic in 2022 in Shanghai. HCWs with high stress were at a greater risk of sleep disorders.