The Impact of COVID-19 on Sleep Quality in People Living With Disabilities

The Sleep Health of Individuals with Visual Impairments: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

Amidst the global aging population and an increasing prevalence of visual impairment across all age groups, this study aims to investigate the current state of research on sleep health in visually impaired populations.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted to synthesize the existing literature on sleep health and visual impairment. We employed conceptual mapping to identify key research topics, analyzing data from four databases: PubMed (n = 290), CINAHL (n = 81), Scopus (n = 117), and PsycInfo (n = 96). A total of 83 peer-reviewed articles, published from 1977 to August 2023, were included in the review.

RESULTS

Our analysis identified 11 distinct eye health conditions including blindness, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, low vision, cataract, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, optic neuropathy, visual field defects, ocular hypertension, and retinal vein occlusion. Additionally, 8 major sleep problems were recognized: abnormal sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, sleep disturbances, and sleep disordered breathing. The dominant research themes were (1) poor sleep quality in individuals with visual impairments and ophthalmic diseases, (2) high prevalence of sleep issues in patients with ophthalmic diseases, (3) sleep apnea in patients with ophthalmic conditions, and (4) circadian rhythm disruptions in blind individuals.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights research gaps that, when addressed, could greatly enhance our comprehension of the interplay between visual impairment and sleep health. Bridging these gaps promises to lead to more holistic care strategies, potentially improving vision functioning and rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with visual impairments.

Prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among people with disabilities during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of individuals across various populations. People with disabilities (PWDs) are particularly vulnerable to these effects, yet there is a lack of studies investigating the mental health of PWDs in Bangladesh. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among PWDs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

METHODS

Data was collected through interviews with 391 PWDs between December 2020 and February 2021. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and scores from the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were obtained. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between psychological measures and potential risk factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence was found to be 65.7% for depression, 78.5% for anxiety, and 61.4% for stress, respectively. Several factors were identified as associated with these mental health issues, including gender (male), marital status (being married), low education levels, multiple impairments, comorbid medical illnesses, poor sleep quality, rural residency, hearing disability, disability onset later in life, and testing positive for COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence was found to be 65.7% for depression, 78.5% for anxiety, and 61.4% for stress, respectively. Several factors were identified as associated with these mental health issues, including gender (male), marital status (being married), low education levels, multiple impairments, comorbid medical illnesses, poor sleep quality, rural residency, hearing disability, disability onset later in life, and testing positive for COVID-19.

[Insomnia in neurological patients with disabilities]

Sleep is the most important factor reflecting the level of psychophysical well-being of a person and influencing him/her to the same extent. The greater susceptibility to sleep disturbances in patients with disabilities is associated with numerous factors. In the existing literature, there are few studies of insomnia in people with neurological disabilities. This article presents a current view on sleep disorders in disabled people and methods for their treatment.

The impact of COVID-19 on the everyday life of blind and sighted individuals

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unexpected and unavoidable changes in daily life worldwide. Governments and communities found ways to mitigate the impact of these changes, but many solutions were inaccessible to people with visual impairments. This work aimed to investigate how blind individuals subjectively experienced the restrictions and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, a group of twenty-seven blind and seventeen sighted people took part in a survey addressing how COVID-19 impacted life practically and psychologically, how it affected their daily habits, and how it changed their experiences of themselves and others. Results demonstrated that both sighted and blind individuals had a hard time adapting to the new situation. However, while sighted people struggled more with personal and social aspects, the frustration of the blind population derived mostly from more practical and logistical issues. Likely as consequences, results showed that blind people engaged more in their inner life and experienced fear and anger as main emotions. This study suggests that changes in life associated with COVID-19 have been subjectively experienced differently based on the presence or not of blindness, and that tailored future interventions should be considered to take care of the different needs of blind individuals.

EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS, SLEEP QUALITY AND NUTRITIONAL HABITS OF PARAATHLETES DURING THE PANDEMIC PROCESS

Background: Cancellation or postponement of sports organizations due to the Covid 19 pandemic has caused great stress for athletes. There are limited studies on how physical activity levels, nutritional habits and sleep quality are affected, especially in physically disabled athletes(paraathletes) during the pandemic process. Purpose: the aim of the research is to examine the physical activity, nutritional habits and sleep quality levels of paraathletes during the pandemic process. Method: Eighty- seven male paraathletes were included in the study. The personal data form required to determine the characteristics within the study subject International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ Short Form), the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire were used in a way consistent with the study. In addition to these sections, changes in participants' nutritional habits were questioned. Results: Total MET values of paraathletes were determined as 3233 ± 1421. The sleep quality index total score averages of the participants were 5.83 ± 0.80 points, indicating the level of 'poor sleep quality'. Food consumption of the participants It was found that 56% of them increased their food consumption, 28% did not change, and 18% decreased. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that physical activity, nutrition and sleep processes, which have an important place in the life cycle of paraathletes, were adversely affected during the pandemic process.

Snapshot of health-related behaviours in adults living with disabilities 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey study

OBJECTIVES

This survey aimed to assess the status of a range of health-related behaviours 1 year after the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic in adults living with disabilities comparative with those with no disabilities.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study reports findings from an online survey conducted in March 2021. Mann-Whitney U and Χ² tests were used to compare a range of health behaviours including time spent self-isolating, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise frequency and diet in adults with and without disabilities.

SETTING

A convenience sample of UK adults was recruited through the researchers' personal and professional networks including UK-based sight loss sector charities, social media platforms and professional forums.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 123 UK participants completed the survey.

OUTCOME MEASURES

COVID-19 diagnosis, time spent self-isolating, alcohol consumption frequency, exercise frequency, change in smoking habit and eating habits.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in alcohol consumption, smoking, water intake, breakfast, or fruit and vegetable intake. There were statistically significant differences in the time spent self-isolating (U=2061, p=0.001), exercise frequency (U=1171.5, p=0.005) and the amount of food eaten (χ2 (2)=9.60, p=0.008, Cramer's V=0.281). Although the majority in both groups reported exercising three to four times per week and eating what they should, those with disabilities were more likely to eat less than they should, not exercise at all and to have been self-isolating for over 6 months than participants with no disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The data in this study present some key differences between the two groups, with those living with disabilities being more likely to report that they had been self-isolating for prolonged periods of time, not exercising at all, and not eating as much as they should . This raises concerns for the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.