Dados do Trabalho

Título

Sleep problems and violence in Brazilian adults and older people: results of the National Health Survey

Introdução

Violence is a multicausal phenomenon that requires great attention in the public health field because it is directly related to morbidity and mortality due to external causes, as well as the genesis of physical and mental illnesses in the population.

Objetivo

To estimate the prevalence of sleep problems in people who are victims of violence.

Métodos

A cross-sectional study based on data from the 2019 National Health Survey (NHS) assessed sleep quality through a question about recent sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or sleeping more than usual. The responses were categorized as "No" or "Yes". The study also analyzed psychological, physical, and sexual violence in the last 12 months. Psychological violence included insults, humiliation, threats, or destruction of property. Physical violence involved slapping, pushing, or threats with weapons. Sexual violence was defined as nonconsensual touching or forced sexual acts. A positive answer to any question indicated victimization by this type of violence.

Resultados

Data from N = 88,531 adults and older individuals were analyzed. The prevalence of sleep problems in the last 12 months among adults and older individuals who suffered psychological violence was 29% (95% CI 27.7; 30.4), physical violence 30.2% (95% CI 27.5; 33.1), and sexual violence 28.8% (95% CI 22.3; 36.4).

Conclusões

Given the information, it can be highlighted that the prevalence of sleep disorders practically doubled in populations that suffered some type of violence.

Palavras -chave

Violence, sleep problems, public health.