0405 Prevalence of Poor Sleep Quality and Its Association with Smartphone Use in Singapore

Abstract Introduction Singapore, an urbanized multi-ethnic city-state in Southeast Asia with a very high smartphone penetrance, ranks among the most sleep deprived countries globally. This study examines the prevalence of poor sleep quality in Singapore and its association with smartphone use. Methods A cross-sectional household survey in eastern Singapore was conducted from October to December 2022. Subjects were included if they were residents aged 21 to 60 and own a smartphone. A simple random sampling design and a proportionate stratified approach by dwelling type was used to select 1200 households for the survey. Key variable data collected included sleep quality as measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), problematic smartphone use (PSU) using the Smartphone Addiction Scale – Short Version, and smartphone usage patterns. Other variables included psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress using validated scales. Social support, sociodemographic, and lifestyle data were also recorded. Significant factors from bivariate analyses were included in adjusted multivariable logistic regression models. Results 400 participants (200 male, 200 female) were surveyed. Prevalence of poor sleep quality was 21%. PSU was associated with poor sleep quality (aOR 2.73, 95% CI 1.61 – 4.64, p< 0.001). Daily use of a smartphone in bed before sleep was associated with poorer sleep quality (aOR 2.70, 95% CI: 1.15 – 6.34, p=0.023), compared to no smartphone use. After lights out, even occasional smartphone use was associated with increased likelihood of having poor sleep quality (aOR 3.02, 95% CI: 1.31 – 6.95, p=0.010). Spending >4 hours compared to < 2h per day on the smartphone was also linked with poorer sleep quality (aOR 2.50, 95% CI: 1.15–5.43, p=0.020). Conversely, making smartphone calls to family (aOR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25 – 0.96, p=0.040) or friends (aOR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.21 – 0.74, p=0.004) was negatively associated with poor sleep quality. Conclusion About a fifth of adults in Singapore suffer from poor sleep quality and it is significantly associated with smartphone usage patterns. It remains plausible that smartphone-mediated social connections could contribute to improved sleep quality; further research is required to explore this. Support (if any) This research was supported by CGH’s Joint Research and Innovation Grant (RIG202110-003PR).