The impact of perceived social support on sleep quality in a sample of patients undergoing hemodialysis in Somalia

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the present study is to examine the relationship between perceived social support and the quality of sleep and to determine the predictors of sleep quality in a sample of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in Somalia. METHODS: A sample of 200 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who were undergoing hemodialysis treatment approximately two to three times a week were included. All participants were administered a sociodemographic data form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Patients undergoing HD for less than 3 months prior to the study date were excluded. RESULTS: Of the patients undergoing hemodialysis, 200 patients aged between 18 and 68 years (mean = 52.29; SD = 14.13) gave consent and participated in the study. Sixty-three subjects (31.5%) reported poor sleep quality, defined as having a total PSQI score > 5. Forty-one subjects (20.5%) reported clinically significant (moderate-to-severe) insomnia. The majority of our patients undergoing HD reported remarkably high family support, but low friends and significant other support. Poor sleep quality significantly correlated with perceived friends’ support and perceived total social support. While perceived family support significantly correlated with both family income and the duration of chronic kidney disease (CKD), perceived friends’ support significantly correlated with age and family income. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that perceived family support and friends’ support were significant predictors of poor sleep quality. Perceived friends’ support was a significant predictor of insomnia severity. Perceived family support was a significant predictor of subjective sleep quality and sleep duration. Perceived friends’ support was a significant predictor of subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep latency, sleep disturbance, and daytime dysfunction. Family income was a significant predictor of sleep duration. Age and gender were significant predictors of sleep efficiency. The duration of CKD and duration of HD were significant predictors of sleep disturbance. CONCLUSION: This present study has highlighted the value of family as a principal support system in Somalian culture. Understanding the impact of perceived social support on the quality of sleep in patients undergoing HD will help healthcare providers and social services to focus on and improve the social support systems of the patients as an integral part of their treatment.