Sleep Duration and Treatment Compliance: a Population-based Cross-sectional Study of Hypertensive Patients in Bangladesh

Background: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.