Pediatric Sleep Quality and Parental Stress in Neuromuscular Disorders: Descriptive Analytical Study

Abstract BackgroundNeuromuscular disorders (NMDs) constitute a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect motor neurons, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle fibers, resulting in symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and reduced mobility. These conditions significantly a...

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Main Authors: Sajjad Khaksar, Mehdi Jafari-Oori, Forogh Sarhangi, Malihe Sadat Moayed
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: JMIR Publications 2025-01-01
Series:Asian/Pacific Island Nursing Journal
Online Access:https://apinj.jmir.org/2025/1/e56667
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author Sajjad Khaksar
Mehdi Jafari-Oori
Forogh Sarhangi
Malihe Sadat Moayed
author_facet Sajjad Khaksar
Mehdi Jafari-Oori
Forogh Sarhangi
Malihe Sadat Moayed
author_sort Sajjad Khaksar
collection DOAJ
description Abstract BackgroundNeuromuscular disorders (NMDs) constitute a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect motor neurons, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle fibers, resulting in symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and reduced mobility. These conditions significantly affect patients’ quality of life and impose a substantial burden on caregivers. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a relatively common NMD in children that presents in various types with varying degrees of severity. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the sleep quality of children with NMDs, particularly SMA types 1, 2, and 3 and assess the stress levels experienced by their parents. MethodsA descriptive analytical study was conducted from February to October 2023, in selected hospitals and dystrophy associations in Tehran and Isfahan, Iran. A total of 207 children aged 1‐14 years with various NMDs were included in the study. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire with 3 parts: demographic information, the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire to assess children’s sleep, and the Stress Response Inventory to measure parental stress. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22, with an α level of .05. ResultsSignificant differences in sleep quality were found among SMA types, with mean scores of 74.76 (SD 7.48) for SMA type 1, 76.4 (SD 7.29) for SMA type 2, 72.88 (SD 6.73) for SMA type 3, and 75.87 (SD 5.74) for other NMDs (PrPrPP ConclusionsSleep disorders are prevalent among children with NMDs, especially SMA. Parents experience high levels of stress that can affect the care they provide. Therefore, interventions to improve children’s sleep and address parental stress are crucial. Regular screening, counseling, and tailored support are recommended to enhance the well-being of children with NMDs and their families.
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spelling doaj-art-6161a226b84e4bb097a426d342f8e0d62025-02-04T16:17:18ZengJMIR PublicationsAsian/Pacific Island Nursing Journal2373-66582025-01-019e56667e5666710.2196/56667Pediatric Sleep Quality and Parental Stress in Neuromuscular Disorders: Descriptive Analytical StudySajjad Khaksarhttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-7374-5877Mehdi Jafari-Oorihttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-7788-7063Forogh SarhangiMalihe Sadat Moayedhttp://orcid.org/0000-0001-6732-3478 Abstract BackgroundNeuromuscular disorders (NMDs) constitute a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect motor neurons, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle fibers, resulting in symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and reduced mobility. These conditions significantly affect patients’ quality of life and impose a substantial burden on caregivers. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a relatively common NMD in children that presents in various types with varying degrees of severity. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the sleep quality of children with NMDs, particularly SMA types 1, 2, and 3 and assess the stress levels experienced by their parents. MethodsA descriptive analytical study was conducted from February to October 2023, in selected hospitals and dystrophy associations in Tehran and Isfahan, Iran. A total of 207 children aged 1‐14 years with various NMDs were included in the study. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire with 3 parts: demographic information, the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire to assess children’s sleep, and the Stress Response Inventory to measure parental stress. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22, with an α level of .05. ResultsSignificant differences in sleep quality were found among SMA types, with mean scores of 74.76 (SD 7.48) for SMA type 1, 76.4 (SD 7.29) for SMA type 2, 72.88 (SD 6.73) for SMA type 3, and 75.87 (SD 5.74) for other NMDs (PrPrPP ConclusionsSleep disorders are prevalent among children with NMDs, especially SMA. Parents experience high levels of stress that can affect the care they provide. Therefore, interventions to improve children’s sleep and address parental stress are crucial. Regular screening, counseling, and tailored support are recommended to enhance the well-being of children with NMDs and their families.https://apinj.jmir.org/2025/1/e56667
spellingShingle Sajjad Khaksar
Mehdi Jafari-Oori
Forogh Sarhangi
Malihe Sadat Moayed
Pediatric Sleep Quality and Parental Stress in Neuromuscular Disorders: Descriptive Analytical Study
Asian/Pacific Island Nursing Journal
title Pediatric Sleep Quality and Parental Stress in Neuromuscular Disorders: Descriptive Analytical Study
title_full Pediatric Sleep Quality and Parental Stress in Neuromuscular Disorders: Descriptive Analytical Study
title_fullStr Pediatric Sleep Quality and Parental Stress in Neuromuscular Disorders: Descriptive Analytical Study
title_full_unstemmed Pediatric Sleep Quality and Parental Stress in Neuromuscular Disorders: Descriptive Analytical Study
title_short Pediatric Sleep Quality and Parental Stress in Neuromuscular Disorders: Descriptive Analytical Study
title_sort pediatric sleep quality and parental stress in neuromuscular disorders descriptive analytical study
url https://apinj.jmir.org/2025/1/e56667
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