[Sleep quality in Iranian drivers recognized as responsible for severe road accidents]

ABSTRACT

The driver's Sleepiness is an important risk factor for road accidents leading to death or disability. Little is known about sleep quality in Iranian drivers. This study was aimed to assess the sleep quality in those Iranian drivers recognized as responsible for a recent road accident in which at least one of the car occupants had been severely injured or killed. In a cross-sectional study, 453 Iranian drivers were assessed within the first 24 hours after severe road accidents. After getting completed the informed consent forms and demographic questionnaires, we used Symptom Check List-90-Revised [SCL-90-R] and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] for screening psychiatric problems and sleep quality impairments, respectively. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and multivariate linear regression analysis through SPSS-10 software. Mean [ +/- SD] nocturnal sleep duration of drivers was found to be 6.3 +/- 2.8 [median 6]. Based on PSQI, a total number of 263 drivers [73.5%] were poor sleepers. PSQI was correlated with a GSI more than 0.81 according to SCL-90-R, having used drugs which can affect the sleep, and a history of similar previous accident[s]. Retired individuals had a better sleep quality. Our study showed that sleep problems, especially early morning awakening, frequent need to lavatory during night, early insomnia and feeling too warm or cold, are common among Iranian drivers with severe road accidents