Prevalence and factors associated with insomnia symptoms in adolescents and young adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly distressing for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer. High levels of distress are associated with sleep disturbances. This study examined the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in AYAs during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified factors related to greater insomnia severity.

Design, setting, and participants: An online survey was administered to Canadian AYAs (N = 805) diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years from January to February 2021.

Measurements: The primary measure was the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Univariable and multivariable binomial logistic regression examined demographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with significant insomnia symptoms (ISI score ≥12).

Results: Three hundred twelve (38.8%) participants reported insomnia symptoms. In the multivariable model, severe psychological distress (ie, depression and anxiety; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 28.75, p ≤.001), having a pre-existing mental health condition (AOR = 1.92, p = .03), worsened mental health during the pandemic (AOR = 1.73, p = .02), finished cancer treatment ≥1 year ago (AOR = 1.72, p = .03), and experiencing no changes to schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.18, p = .004) were associated with significant insomnia symptoms. Standardized coefficients also indicated that worrying about possible disruptions to cancer care and being a homemaker/caretaker contributed to insomnia symptoms.

Conclusions: Nearly 40% of AYAs with cancer reported insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Insomnia was associated with potentially modifiable factors such as psychological distress, highlighting possible targets for intervention.

Keywords: Adolescents and young adults; COVID-19; Cancer; Insomnia; Oncology.