Prevalence of Insomnia in Healthcare Profession - PIHEP Study: A Large-Scale National Study in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder worldwide, yet data among healthcare professionals in Southeast Asia remain limited. Occupational stressors, rotating shifts, and high emotional demands may increase vulnerability to sleep disturbance in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of insomnia among Vietnamese healthcare professionals and to identify associated nocturnal symptoms, daytime impairments, and clinical associated factors.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide multi-region cross-sectional survey of 1655 healthcare professionals across Vietnam. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing insomnia symptoms, daytime consequences, comorbidities, and occupational factors. Insomnia was ascertained per ICSD-3 criteria for chronic insomnia, requiring (i) ≥ 1 nocturnal symptom (DIMS: difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, or early-morning awakening); (ii) ≥ 1 associated daytime impairment; (iii) symptom frequency ≥ 3 nights/week; and (iv) chronicity ≥ 3 months, despite adequate sleep opportunity. Severity was evaluated using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for age, sex, occupation, marital status, and stimulant use.

RESULTS

The prevalence of insomnia was 24.2% (95% CI, 22.2-26.3), higher in women than men and increasing with age. The most common nocturnal symptoms were nocturnal awakenings (84.2%) and sleep-onset difficulty (57.2%), while daytime impairments included memory complaints (74.6%), mood disturbances (55.4%), and excessive daytime sleepiness (59.5%). In multivariable analysis, independent associated factors of insomnia included nocturnal awakenings (aOR 6.11), sleep-onset difficulty (aOR 2.89), mood disturbance (aOR 2.20), morning headache (aOR 2.18), and memory impairment (aOR 1.63). Stimulant consumption, particularly tea or coffee (aOR 2.10) and alcohol (aOR 1.98), was also independently associated.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one in four Vietnamese healthcare professionals experience insomnia, characterized by substantial nocturnal fragmentation and daytime dysfunction. Given its potential implications for clinician well-being and patient safety, systematic screening and integrated occupational sleep-health interventions are warranted.