Background: Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as the first-line treatment yet remains underutilised in general practice. Understanding patient motivations and barriers to engaging in psychological interventions for insomnia is critical. Theoretical frameworks, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour, are needed to identify variables related to intentions and behaviour change.
Aim: To explore key influences that motivate individuals' intention to engage with psychological interventions for insomnia.
Design and setting: An online survey and interviews with 20 community-dwelling participants with insomnia, aged 26-75 years.
Method: Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify factors influencing participants' intention to engage with psychological interventions for insomnia.
Results: Participants reported positive attitudes towards psychological interventions for insomnia, stemming from negative beliefs about pharmacological sleep aids and the perceived benefits of a structured and evidence-based intervention. Important others positively influenced participants' intention to engage, however the GP influence was less consistent and often indirect. Participants believed in the efficacy of psychological interventions, but several barriers hampered their ability to benefit from them. Accessibility was identified as a key facilitator, whilst lack of knowledge and clear referral pathways were the main barriers impacting uptake.
Conclusion: This study highlights key factors influencing patients' intention to engage in psychological interventions for insomnia as well as opportunities for GPs to support uptake and engagement. Routine conversations about sleep health are essential to reduce the burden of untreated insomnia in the community, and active promotion of evidence-based psychological interventions are needed.
Keywords: general practice; insomnia; qualitative research; theory of planned behaviour.
Copyright © 2024, The Authors.