Factors affecting sleep disturbances in hospitalized patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose: Sleep disturbances related to multiple conditions are common in patients with cancer while undergoing chemotherapy. The quality of life in these patients may be negatively affected due to sleep disturbances. Therefore, by analyzing nursing records, this study aimed to examine factors influencing sleep disturbances among hospitalized patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This study was a retrospective review of nursing records of 231 patients with colorectal cancer who were hospitalized for chemotherapy in 2015. Data were collected from electronic medical records, and analyzed using the independent t-test, χ 2 test, and logistic regression. Results: Thirty-five (15.2%) patients had sleep disturbances. Nursing records related to sleep (n=85) consisted of 32 (37.6%) assessments and 53 (62.4%) interventions. Pharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances (98.1%) were used more often as compared to non-pharmacological interventions (1.9%). In logistic regression analysis, sleep disturbances were related to the body mass index (Odds Ratio [OR]=0.86, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=0.76~0.98), targeted therapy(OR=2.62, 95% CI=1.09~6.32), and length of hospital stay (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.02~1.14). Conclusion: Sleep disturbances were influenced by body mass index, targeted therapy, and length of hospital stay. Thus, nutritional and psycho-emotional status after metastasis or recurrence should be closely monitored in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy, especially during prolonged hospitalization. Further, in addition to the use of pharmacological interventions, various non-pharmacological nursing interventions to promote sleep health should be developed.