Sleep duration and treatment compliance: a population-based cross-sectional study of hypertensive patients in Bangladesh

Ahmed Hossain, Orin Mithila

Treatment with appropriate medication is a key factor to control hypertension and reduce the associated risk of complications. However, compliance with treatment is often sub-optimal, especially in developing countries. Our aim in this cross-sectional study is to investigate whether there is an association between sleep duration and treatment compliance among skilled professionals who are experiencing hypertension. A questionnaire was given to all skilled professionals who are found hypertensive in an organization of Bangladesh. To assess treatment compliance, questions on self-reported compliance test were used. We collected information on self-reported short sleep duration (6 h or less) along with socio-demographic factors and clinical conditions of the subjects. Sleep duration is associated with compliance with treatment among hypertensive skilled professionals. We found overall associations of sleep duration (odds ratio (OR) 3.77, confidence interval 1.44-10.83) with treatment compliance among hypertensive patients. In addition, body mass index (OR 1.19), marital status (OR 0.16) and duration of having hypertension are found significant factors for non-compliance with treatment. There is an association between sleep duration and treatment compliance among the hypertensive patients. However, the study is conducted with a small group of skilled professionals from an organization and it is important to include multi-centers to validate the conclusion.