Nature and Science of Sleep · Jan 20, 2026

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Poor Sleep Quality Among ‎adults in Qatar

By Al Ansi M, Al-Dahshan A, Alyafei AA et al.

BACKGROUND: Poor sleep quality is increasingly recognized as a global public health concern linked to adverse physical, psychological, and occupational outcomes. However, data on sleep quality and its determinants remain scarce in Qatar. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of poor sleep quality and identify its associated factors among adults attending primary healthcare centers in Qatar. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six randomly selected primary health centers representing Qatar's three health regions. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited using multistage sampling. Data was collected through structured telephone interviews using validated tools, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4), GAD-2, PHQ-2, Sleep Hygiene Index, and IPAQ-short. Poor sleep quality was defined as PSQI ≥5. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors. RESULTS: Among 390 participants, 60.3% were classified as having poor sleep quality. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between poor sleep and several factors, including female gender, Arab nationality, employment status, chronic disease, tobacco users, anxiety, depression, high perceived stress, and poor sleep hygiene. In the multivariable analysis, independent predictors of poor sleep were smokers (AOR=2.57, 95% CI: 1.43-4.64), higher perceived stress (AOR=1.1 per unit increase, 95% CI: 1.01-1.19), and higher Sleep Hygiene Index scores (AOR=1.06 per unit increase, 95% CI: 1.03-1.1). CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality affects a substantial proportion of adults in Qatar and is significantly associated with modifiable lifestyle and psychological factors. Primary care-based interventions targeting stress management and sleep hygiene promotion are warranted.

doi.org/10.2147/nss.s559592 Open access PubMed 41877851 Populations