Gender differences in self-reported sleep problems among older adults in six middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study

J Women Aging. 2022 Sep-Oct;34(5):605-620. doi: 10.1080/08952841.2021.1965425. Epub 2021 Aug 26.

Abstract

This study examines gender differences in sleep problems among older adults in India, China, Ghana, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa. We used data on 33,929 individuals (50+ years) from the WHO-SAGE. Results showed significant gender differences in the prevalence of sleep problems with the largest difference in Russia followed by India. Regression results showed higher odds of sleep problems among women in India, China, Russia, and South Africa. Age, low back pain, depression, and poor self-rated health were significantly associated with sleep problems. This research confirms significant gender differences in sleep problems among the older population in middle-income countries.

Keywords: Sleep problems; gender; older adults; who-sage.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Developing Countries*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India
  • Prevalence
  • Self Report
  • Sex Factors
  • Sleep Wake Disorders* / epidemiology
  • South Africa / epidemiology