Evaluating Sleep Habits and Related Factors in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Sleep habits may play a role in the onset of sleep disorders. Several factors affect sleep habits. This study aimed to investigate sleep habits and related factors in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 400 children (age range: 5-15 years) who recovered from cancer in Tehran, Iran, in 2020. A 35-item Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was used to determine children’s sleep habits. Correlation coefficient test, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to determine the correlation between results. Results: Participants’ mean age was 10.45± 12.3 years (49% males vs. 51% females). The mean total score of the CSHQ was 58.53±7.8. There was a negative and significant relationship between age and the total score of CSHQ (P=0.009). Independent t-test showed that the subscales and the total score of the CSHQ were not significantly different between males and females (P=0.834). There was no significant relationship between the total score of the CSHQ and the duration after recovery (P=0.08). Conclusions:  The CCS are at higher risk of sleep disorders and the possibility of sleep disorders is higher in younger patients. Girls and boys who have survived cancer are equally prone to sleep disorders. There is a possibility of developing sleep disorders at any time during the recovery period. Factors such as the family’s socioeconomic status, level of physical health, duration of cancer, and the age of the children should be considered when assessing and treating sleep problems in CCS.