Sleep disturbances and associated factors in children with autism spectrum disorder
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Issued Date
2024-11-30
Resource Type
eISSN
26175428
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85210948564
Journal Title
Pediatric Medicine
Volume
7
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Pediatric Medicine Vol.7 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Thamissarakul S., Kallawicha K., Wannapaschaiyong P. Sleep disturbances and associated factors in children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatric Medicine Vol.7 (2024). doi:10.21037/pm-24-36 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/102379
Title
Sleep disturbances and associated factors in children with autism spectrum disorder
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Author's Affiliation
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Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition affecting child development and family dynamics. Sleep disturbances are common in children with ASD. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sleep disturbances and related factors in children with ASD. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among parents of 235 children aged 4–10 years who were diagnosed with ASD between January and April 2024 in Chonburi Province, Thailand. Primary caregivers who co-sleep with their ASD child for at least five nights per week were included. Data collected included demographic characteristics, family factors, and clinical features. The Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire was utilized for assessment. The data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with sleep disturbances. Results: The study population (N=235) had a mean age of 64.31±20.56 months, with males comprising 81.28% of the sample. Sleep disturbances were reported in 90.21% of the children (212/235), with a mean sleep disturbance score of 50.27±7.53. The significant factors associated with sleep disturbances were having both parents as primary caregivers [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.71–11.67], having a mobile phone in the bedroom (AOR 3.21, 95% CI: 1.24–8.30), and having occasional prebedtime media use (2–4 times per week; AOR 5.15, 95% CI: 1.11–23.87). Conclusions: The prevalence of sleep disturbances in children with ASD is notably high. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions focusing on consistent caregiving practices, limiting electronic devices in bedrooms, and reducing prebedtime media use. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of these interventions across diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts in Thailand.