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Sleep Problems and Effective Factors in Preschool Children
Tuğba Gültekin1, Ayla Bayık-Temel2
1Dokuz Eylül University Health Services Vocational School, First and Emergency Aid Program, İzmir, Turkey.
Insights
A significant portion of preschool children experience sleep problems, with prevalence linked to maternal education and sleeping arrangements. Early identification and counseling by nurses are recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Child Development
- Public Health
Background:
- Sleep problems are common in preschool children and can impact development.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of sleep problems in preschool children.
- To identify factors affecting sleep problems in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive field study was conducted with 325 preschool children (aged 4-6) and their mothers in İzmir.
- Data were collected through interviews using the "Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire Turkish Form."
- Statistical analysis included chi-square tests using SPSS 16.0.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of sleep problems was found to be 43.4%.
- Sleep problems were more common in children of mothers with a high school education compared to those with higher education.
- Children sharing rooms with siblings, other individuals, or sleeping in parents' beds had a higher prevalence of sleep problems.
Conclusions:
- Nurses play a vital role in identifying and addressing sleep problems in preschool children during routine assessments.
- Maternal education level and sleeping arrangements are significant factors associated with childhood sleep issues.
- Counseling and education for mothers are essential to manage and prevent sleep problems in young children.
Aim:
This descriptive field study was carried out to determine the prevalence of sleep problems and affecting factors in preschool children.
Method:
The universe of this descriptive study consisted of 5454 children studying in kindergartens affiliated to the Ministry of National Education in İzmir. The study sample consisted of 325 children aged 4-6 years attending preschool and their mothers/caregivers in three kindergartens in İzmir. Data were collected by interviewing the mothers by using the "Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire Turkish Form." SPSS 16.0 package program was used to evaluate the data. The data were presented as numbers, percentages, and median, and chi-square statistical tests were used to analyze the data.
Results:
By calculating the seven parameters (sleep level measurements) of the Baby/Child Sleep Problem Diagnosis Form, the prevalence of sleep problems in children was found to be 43.4%. There was no difference in the frequency of sleep problems according to age and sex of children (p>0.05). Sleep problems were most prevalent in children of mothers with high school degree and least prevalent in children of mothers with college and above educational status (p<0.05). No difference was found between the children who had their own room for sleeping and those who did not (p>0.05). Sleeping problems were most prevalent among children who slept in the room of their siblings, another person, or in their parents' bed (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
Nurses should interview mothers in all health institutions and determine sleeping problems during the nursing assessment process and provide counseling and education to mothers.
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