Prevalence and correlates for sleep complaints in older adults in low and middle income countries: a 10/66 Dementia Research Group study

Background: Although it is well recognized that the prevalence of sleep complaints increases with age, estimates in developing countries are still unknown. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence and prevalence ratios of the correlates of sleep complaints in a large population of older adults from low and middle income countries (LAMICs).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed in 16,680 65 year-old or older residents in catchment areas of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico, China, India, and Puerto Rico (10/66 Dementia Research Group study). Information about socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, health, and sleep complaints was obtained. Results were standardized by age, sex, household clustering, and residence site (urban or rural). Prevalence ratios were derived for each country and fixed effects meta-analyses were used to combine them.

Results: The standardized prevalence of sleep complaints varied from 9.1% (China) to 37.7% (India). The meta-analysis showed that female gender, urban residence, low educational level, low physical activity status, high pain scores, poor health, higher memory impairment score, presence of major depression, mild cognitive impairment, and high number of co-morbidities were associated with sleep complaints.

Conclusions: This study robustly characterized the prevalence of sleep complaints in large samples of the elderly in LAMICs and identified potential risk factors that may be specific to these populations. This approach can help to direct health-care efforts related to sleep disturbances in these countries.