Sleep Problems among Disaster Victims: A Long-Term Survey on the Life Changes of Disaster Victims in Korea

Abstract

This study aimed to assess sleep problems and their underlying factors in victims of disasters such as typhoons, heavy rains, fires, and earthquakes. Data from the long-term survey on life changes among disaster victims in 2019 obtained by the National Disaster Management Research Institute were used. The study included 1358 victims of natural and social disasters in Korea between 2012 and 2018. Sleep problems were assessed using a survey on subjective sleep quality and the use of sleeping medication. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test, t-test, and binominal logistic regression. The results showed that the factors affecting subjective sleep quality included disaster type, time elapsed after disaster, subjective health status, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The factors affecting sleep medication use included age, time elapsed after disaster, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Therefore, interventions and support systems should be provided to prevent the prolongation of sleep problems.