Population-based studies highlighting the prevalence of sleep-related disorders in adults with respect to ethnicity

• Main Authors: Mohamad Noor, Zaswiza, Smith, Alesha, Nissen, Lisa M.
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: RS Pharmacy and materia medica
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/28400/1/Abstract_ZASWIZA_M_NOOR_APSA2011_Adelaide.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/28400/4/APSA2011ConferenceProceedings_Poster_P013.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/28400/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Introduction: To eliminate disparities in health outcomes due to sleep disorders there is a need to not only focus on social and environmental factors, but also possible biological or genetic differences. This paper highlights studies investigating ethnic prevalence of certain sleep-related disorders in different populations. Methods: Recent studies focusing on ethnic differences in sleep-related disorders representing three different regions were selected. Results: A total of eight papers were reviewed; New Zealand (3), USA (3) and Singapore (2). Studies showed that there were significant differences between ethnic populations in certain sleep-related disorders. In New Zealand, studies showed Maori and Pacific Islanders have higher prevalence and were at higher risk for sleep-related disorders compared to Caucasians and Asians. In the USA, African-Americans showed higher prevalence for sleep-related disorders compared to Caucasians and Hispanics. As for Singapore, the studies compared three major ethnicities in South East Asia; Chinese, Indians and Malays. Studies showed that Chinese have the lowest prevalence and the lowest risk for sleep-related disorder compared to Indians and Malays. Conclusions: Differences in prevalence of sleep-related disorders with respect to ethnicity have implications in the development of treatment and services. There is a need for more consistent and reliable ethnic data for sleep-related disorders to enable the development and implementation of effective prevention, intervention and treatment.